Phyllis Irene Stephens passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Columbus Hospice, Columbus, Ga. Phyllis was born in Chicago on February 2, 1931.  She joined the Marines in her early twenties and was extremely proud to have served her country during the Korean War. Her favorite saying was, “I’m rough, tough and hard to bluff!” And that she was, until the very end.
Phyllis was a kind sole. She was sweet, loving, generous and very stubborn. She loved her family more than anything in this world and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a wonderful friend who kept her circle small. She loved to read, laugh, shop and be near her family.  Upon leaving the Marines Mrs. Stephens moved to Miami where she raised six children. While living in Miami she worked for Janet Reno at the State Attorney’s Office. After retirement she and her husband moved to Islamorada before finally settling in Tallahassee Florida. After her husband passed away she went to work at the Governor’s office where she proudly worked for then Governor’s Jeb Bush and Rick Scott. In her later years Mrs. Stephens was lovingly cared for by her daughter Jennifer Alberti, son in law Duane Alberti and grandson Vernon Powell. In May of 2017 Mrs. Stephens moved to Columbus Georgia to be closer to her youngest son Mike Cheatham and his family. She spent her final days being cared for and loved by her granddaughter Lauren Blair and her husband Mac Blair. Phyllis was a loving mother, a wonderful grandmother and great-grandmother and a precious friend. She was loved dearly by all who knew her and you were proud to call her your friend.

Mrs. Stephens was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill Stephens and amazing daughter, Pam Cheatham, also her beloved dogs, Sporty, Domino and Buddy. She is survived by her children, Debra Weedall, Mike Cheatham and wife Gina, Jennifer Alberti and husband Duane, Jack Cheatham, Cindy Goodman and fiancé Gerry Scheinman. Three step-children, Bubba Stephens, Pamela Stephens and Laura McDonald. Nine grandchildren, Lauren Blair and husband Mac, Vernon Powell, Angie Tartline and husband Wayne, Amanda Comer and husband Trent, Rachel Brady, David Weedall and wife Taylor, Benjamin Cheatham, Tyler Cheatham, Allison Cheatham And twelve great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mrs. Phyllis Stephens may be made to the Humane Society.

We love you very much mom, Nana  Grandma and friend. You will be forever in our hearts and always missed. Fly high our sweet Angel…until we meet again.

The family will be planning a memorial for Mrs. Stephens in the future.

The Stephens family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation-Columbus 7500 Veterans Parkway Suite A Columbus, GA 31909. The family invites you to leave a condolence or share a fond memory below.