Mary Elizabeth Stephens

December 13, 1943 - February 2, 2022

Stephens – Mary Elizabeth Stephens, age 78, of Gainesville, Florida passed away peacefully at her residence with her loving family by her side. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida on December 13, 1943, to the late Lawrence E. Dugger and Cora Rye Dugger. Mary was raised in Raiford and graduated from Bradford High School in 1961. Shortly after high school, Mary married her high school sweetheart, John Cecil Stephens, Jr. on April 20, 1962. Mary was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed being a homemaker. She was a proud military wife and blessed mother who loved tending to her family’s needs. Mary and John moved numerous times; from Italy to Germany, throughout the United States until settling in Iowa where they resided for over 20 years. After John’s passing, Mary relocated to Melrose, Florida to be closer with her daughter and has been in Gainesville for the past 7 years. Mary enjoyed traveling, sewing, dancing, but most of all, she loved spending time with family and friends and especially enjoyed her sweet grandbabies. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband of 35 years, John Cecil Stephens, Jr.; son, John Cecil Stephens, III; and brothers, Leonard Dugger and Richard Dugger. Mary is survived by her loving daughter, Kathy (Jason) Castor of Gainesville, FL; sisters, Jean (James) Thomas of Orange Park, FL and Peggy Dugger of Nashville, TN; sisters-in-law, Kathy Dugger of Fleming Island, FL, Emma Dugger of Tallahassee, FL, and Vonda Gayle Stephens of Starke, FL; grandchildren, Brittany Cassatt, Courtney Neuzil, Brittany Castor, Joshua Castor, and Sadie Stephens; along with many great grandchildren she was blessed with. A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held in the near future. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke, Fl. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book