John Stephenson

John Earl Stephenson 67, of Lima, died at 7:45 a.m. August 30, 2007, at Clarion West Hospital, Avon, Indiana. He was born August 29, 1940, in Memphis , Tenn., to John and Beatrice (Davis) Stephenson , who preceded him in death. On June 21, 1962, he married Beverly Godsey, who preceded him in death. On March 1, 1975, he married Grovene Lawrence-Gardner and she survives in Lima, Ohio. Mr. Stephenson was an employee at General Motors in Defiance for 45 years. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church where he served on the usher board. His hobby and great passion was building and driving race cars. Survivors also include four sons, Ricky Godsey, Plummie (Netta) Gardner, David Stephenson, and Chris Stephenson, all of Lima, Ohio; three daughters, Darnell (Edward) Parks, of Atlanta, Vicki (Charles) Robinson and Tina (Brian) Downton, both of Lima, Ohio; 24 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Robert Lee (Carolyn) Stephenson, of Memphis, Tenn., William Edward Davis, of Columbia, Mo., and Curtis Douglas (Sherry) Davis, of Houston; three sisters, Evelyn Perkins, of Hannibal, Mo., Jewel Yvette (Larry) Holt, of Fulton, Mo., and Bobbie Louise Hall, of Lima, Ohio; several brothers in-law; several sisters-in-law; a host of nieces and nephews; and a host of very dear friends. He was preceded in death by a sister, Addie Beatrice Davis. Services will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Second Baptist Church. The Rev. Dennis Ward will officiate. Burial will be Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the church. The family will be present from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the services. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.