Myrtis Ann Stephens

Myrtis Ann Stephens, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed peacefully from this life on April 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, music, and family devotion. Born on November 25, 1940, in Cooper, Texas, Myrtis was the daughter of Julia May Schultz (Acker) and S.M. Schultz. As a teenager visiting her grandmother Acker in Cooper, Myrtis met the love of her life, Doyal Ray Stephens, in a serendipitous encounter at the local café. They had known of each other but met formally that weekend. After only two weeks of courtship, the two eloped to Hugo, Oklahoma, and were married on July 13, 1957. She was just 16; he was 19. Together, they welcomed four children: Clint, Keith, Randy, and Kim. Myrtis embraced motherhood with devotion, grace, and joy. In their early years, they made their home in Grand Prairie, where they lived in a tiny garage apartment and taught themselves to cook, sharing their first meal of fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Doyal worked long hours for American Can while Myrtis kept the home running smoothly. They eventually made their permanent home in Big Sandy. Myrtis was a woman of abiding faith. Her love for God shaped the way she loved others: sacrificially, gently, and without condition. Mert, as some called her, loved to play the piano and the upright bass, and sing alongside her husband. They loved making music together. The couple traveled to Nashville several times, where they met many country legends and where Myrtis was often mistaken for Loretta Lynn. Though they had the talent and opportunity to pursue fame, they chose to raise a family instead. They brought joy to family reunions, festivals, and nursing homes as they played and sang their hearts out for hours. Their bluegrass band, Coldwater Creek, recorded several songs on a CD. Myrtis was preceded in death by her parents, brother Earl Schultz, sisters Janice Deel, Brenda Maynard, Janie Payton, her son Clinton Ray Stephens, and grandson Clinton Joshua Stephens. Those left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 67 years, Doyal Ray Stephens; her children Keith Stephens (Rhonda), Randy Stephens (Prissy), and Kim Berger (Leo); her grandchildren Hannah Stephens, Shannon Dutton (Lucas), Tiffany Barber (Raymond), Steffany Jewell (Seth), Sara Allen (Chase), Lana Yarbrough (Eric), Lara Armas (Ephraim), Ryan Berger, Kirk Berger; 21 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, her brother SM Jr Schultz, and extended family who cherished her sweet spirit, contagious laugh, and unfailing love. Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23 Pallbearers will be Ryan Berger, Kirk Berger, Brayden Jewell, Collin Barber, Logan Jewell, Cash Barber Funeral services for Mrs. Stephens will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, April 26, 2025, at McWhorter Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Chilton Cemetery. Visitation will be held 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Friday, at McWhorter Funeral Home. Please visit Myrtis’ online registration book at www.mcwhorterfh.com to leave a memory for the family.

Myrtis Ann Stephens

November 25, 1940 - April 24, 2025