Dora Ann (Stephenson) Phelps

Dora Ann Stephenson Phelps, 83, of Paragould, went to be with the Lord Thursday, March 29, 2018.  She was born September 19, 1934, in Leachville, Arkansas to Edward and Edith Stephenson.  Dora graduated in 1952 from Childress High School.  She married the love of her life, Arthur Phelps, on October 4, 1952.  Dora and Arthur had two sons, Ricky and Douglas.  Above all, Dora was devoted to her husband and family.  Dora was a member of the Bethel Assembly of God Church where she served as secretary for many years and her husband, Arthur, was the pastor.  She enjoyed helping others and had a real passion for serving the Lord which made her perfect for the role of a pastor’s wife.  She was a caring, compassionate person who always put the needs of others first.  At 46 years old, Dora started college to pursue a teaching degree.  She proudly graduated in 1987 and taught math at Luxora Elementary School.  She retired after 10 years of dedicated service.  Family and friends were Dora’s passion and delight.  She had no greater joy than watching her sons on stage performing with the Kentucky Headhunters.   She was their biggest fan.

Dora was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Don Stephenson; sisters, Neva Stanfill, Betty Ellington, and Zelma Hyde.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Arthur Phelps of the home; sons and daughters in law, Ricky and Karen Phelps of Navarre, Florida, Douglas and Kim Phelps of Hendersonville, Tennessee; brother, Bill Stephenson; sisters, Barbara Carr; grandchildren, Joshua Lee Phelps and his wife, Kyra, LeeAnn Penticost and her husband, Daniel, Eli Phelps, and Jeffrey Evetts and his wife, Margaret; 7 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild.

The family will receive friends Monday, April 2, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be Tuesday, April 3, at 10:00 a.m. in the Center Hill Chapel of Phillips Funeral Home with B.R. Miller officiating.  Burial will follow at Cardwell Cemetery.

Pallbearers include David Kellums, Gary Blankenship, Brad Williams, Eli Phelps, Bill Young, and Lonnie Gibson, Jr.

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