"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
2 Timothy 4:7

Deaconess Dorothy Stephens was born on October 12, 1929 in Dorchester County, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Reverend William Hopkins and the late Mozella White Hopkins. Dorothy entered into eternal rest on Friday, May 21, 2010, at the Mount Pleasant Manor Nursing Home, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

Confessing Jesus at a very early age, she joined Good Hope Baptist Church of St. George, S.C. A devout Christian, Dorothy faithfully served on several activities in the Good Hope Baptist Church. Her activities included: Past President Deaconess Board, Pulpit Aide, President of the Gospel Choir, Missionary Circle #3 member; Mass Choir member and she served as a Sunday School Teacher. Dorothy believed in education and played an active role as a member of the Ladies of the New Millennium group, counseling young girls at the St. George Middle School. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, White Oak Chapter #37, Reevesville, S.C.

Dorothy, affectionately called "Peach," by family and friends, will always hold a special place in the lives of those she touched. An avid basketball fan, Michael Jordan was her favorite star. Dorothy's warm personality, winning smile and infectious laughter will forever be etched in our memory. Dorothy loved gardening and was a perfectionist at canning vegetables, and spices. She embraced life with zeal and passion and was happiest and most satisfied in her pursuit of helping others (praying for the sick, feeding the hungry, visiting the sick)—especially those in need.

Dorothy graduated from Williams Memorial High School and received her Nursing Certificate from the Dorchester Vocational Training School. Professionally, she served in nursing, especially with the elderly, and was a devout seamstress. She was a civil rights advocate for Dorchester County in her pursuit of equality and justice, participating in peaceful demonstration marches, including the Vietnam War. She served as a Voting Poll Worker for the various elections held in Dorchester County. She was also instrumental in the integration of the St. George public school system in the late 1960s.

Deaconess Dorothy Stephens was joined in married to the late Allen Stephens; this union was blessed with six beautiful and loyal children. Survivors include two sons: Allen Jerome Stephens of Saint George, S.C. and Reverend Terry M. Stephens( Ruth) of Summerville, S.C.; four daughters: Reverend Frances Edmonds (George) of Baldwin, New York, Margaret R. Stephens of Columbia, Maryland, Bonnie Stephens of Freeport, New York and Bessie Allen-Holmes (Larry) of Mt. Pleasant, S.C; two sisters, Mrs. Samella Odom of St. George, S.C. and Ruth Joyner of New York, N.Y.; one brother-in-law, Reverend Oscar Odom, of St. George, S.C.; one uncle, Mr. Joe Wright of Ridgeville, S.C; ten Grandchildren; eight Great-Grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, a special Godchild, an adopted daughter #5, and a story teller.

"The Master called Peach and she crossed over to Glory, and to all of us she says, just stay in the hands of Jesus and we will meet again someday."