OBITUARY: Mary Beth Stephens, 86, of Burnet dies May 22, 2013

Mary Beth Stephens passed away May 22, 2013. A longtime resident of Burnet, she was born Feb. 22, 1927, in Brownwood, Texas, to Halley and Eloise Jernigan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Aaron Stephens; brother, Curtis Jernigan; daughter Shirley Smith; and son Leland Stephens.

She is survived by sisters Billie Wright and Faye Roten, both of Burnet; sons Johnny and wife Diana of San Patricio, Dennis Stephens of Kansas, Darrell and wife Christy Brandon of San Antonio, Rusty and wife Dixie Brandon of Tow and Donald and wife Peggy Brandon of Burnet; daughters Frances Raschen, Paula Simon and Sandra Bennaka, all of Kansas; 29 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Marybeth was a strong-willed person who was never afraid to speak her mind, but she also was generous with her unconditional love for her family. She was a woman of strong faith and is undoubtedly rejoicing with her Lord and loved ones.

Of the many jobs she held, the one closest to her heart was as a dispatcher for the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office. She was a member of the East Lake Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, serving as president.

In her long life, Marybeth had many friends. Around Burnet, she knew most people, and most people knew her. She was a fighter, battling breast cancer for the last 11 years. She loved the Hill Country, never more than in the spring when the bluebonnets were in bloom.

Viewing is 5-8 p.m. May 24 at Edgar Funeral Home, 109 N. Main in Burnet, (512) 756-4444. A funeral service is 10 a.m. May 25 at East Lake Fellowship, 13218 RR 2341, followed by interment at Lakeland Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to East Lake Fellowship.

Friends may express their condolences at http://edgarfh.com.