COWAN, Tenn. — Annie “Ethelene” Stephens, 68, of Cowan, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, surrounded by her loving family.
Her passing has left a deep sense of loss among her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, church family, relatives, and friends throughout Cowan and Franklin County.
Annie was a lifelong member of the Franklin County community whose life was centered around family, faith, work, and the relationships she built over the years. Those who knew her will remember her for the love she gave to her family and the close connection she maintained with her church and community.
Although her death marks the end of a life that meant so much to many people, the memories she created with her loved ones will continue through the generations that follow.
Annie “Ethelene” Stephens Dies at 68
Annie “Ethelene” Stephens died Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. She was 68 years old.
She was surrounded by members of her family during her final moments, providing her loved ones with an opportunity to be together as they said goodbye.
Annie’s life was closely connected to Franklin County. Born in Winchester on October 28, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Gertrude Henshaw King.
She was raised in the area and remained connected to the community throughout her life.
For those who knew Annie, her passing represents more than the loss of a community member. She was a wife of 51 years, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, church member, and friend.
Each of those relationships represents a different chapter of the life she shared with others.
Remembering Annie Stephens
Annie will be remembered most of all for the importance she placed on family.
Throughout her life, she found happiness in spending time with the people she loved. Family gatherings, conversations, celebrations, and everyday moments became part of the memories that now remain with those closest to her.
She also maintained a strong relationship with her church family at Cowan Apostolic Church of Restoration.
Her connection to the church was an important part of her life and provided her with a community of faith, friendship, fellowship, and service.
For Annie, family and faith were not simply parts of her life. They were among the foundations upon which she built it.
Her loved ones will continue to remember the devotion she showed to both.
A Lifelong Connection to Franklin County
Annie was a native of Franklin County, having been born in Winchester in 1957.
She spent much of her life in the area and remained connected to the people and community around Cowan.
Growing up in a close community can create relationships that last for decades, and Annie’s life reflected those enduring connections.
From childhood and family life to marriage, motherhood, employment, church involvement, and eventually becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother, her story remained closely tied to the region.
Her passing will therefore be felt by people who knew her at different stages of her life.
Annie Stephens’ Working Life
Before retiring, Annie was employed at Linear Clothing.
Her working years formed another important chapter of her life and brought her into contact with coworkers and members of the wider community.
While employment is only one part of a person’s story, the relationships and experiences developed through years of work can become lasting memories.
For Annie’s family, her professional life was part of the larger journey that shaped the woman they knew and loved.
After retirement, she was able to devote more time to family, church, and the personal relationships that remained central to her life.
A Devoted Wife of 51 Years
One of the most significant relationships in Annie’s life was her marriage to James “Howard” Stephens Sr.
The couple had been married for 51 years, sharing more than five decades of family life and memories.
A marriage lasting more than half a century represents countless experiences shared together—from raising children and watching grandchildren grow to celebrating milestones and navigating life’s difficult moments.
Howard now faces the painful loss of his longtime wife and partner.
For a family, the memories created across 51 years of marriage can become an important source of comfort during grief.
A Loving Mother
Annie was also a devoted mother to her sons, James H. “Jamie” Stephens Jr. and his wife, Andrea, and Dewayne Stephens and his wife, Kristyn.
Motherhood became one of the defining roles of her life.
Her children were part of the family she built and the memories she leaves behind.
As they mourn, they will carry forward the lessons, traditions, conversations, and experiences they shared with their mother.
The loss of a parent can bring memories from every stage of life back into focus.
For Annie’s sons, those memories will remain part of the bond they continue to share with her even after her passing.
Annie Stephens and Her Grandchildren
Annie’s family continued to grow through her grandchildren.
She was a grandmother to J.C. Stephens and his wife, Skylar; Kylee Stephens and her husband, Levi; Ethan Stephens; and Abby Stephens.
Becoming a grandmother opened another important chapter in Annie’s life.
Grandparents often play a special role in family life, creating memories through holidays, family gatherings, conversations, celebrations, and everyday experiences.
For Annie’s grandchildren, the memories they created with her will remain an important part of their family history.
They will have the opportunity to carry those stories forward as they grow older.
A Great-Grandmother to Five
Annie also had the joy of becoming a great-grandmother.
Her great-grandchildren included Atticus, Abram, Arabella, Cannon, and Archer Stephens.
Having several generations of family connected to her is a reflection of the long life Annie shared with those around her.
Her family tree extended beyond her children and grandchildren, allowing her to experience the role of great-grandmother as well.
Those younger generations will now know her through the memories, photographs, stories, and traditions passed down by their family.
In that way, Annie’s influence can continue long after her death.
Annie’s Church Family
Faith was another important part of Annie’s life.
She was connected with Cowan Apostolic Church of Restoration, where she participated in the church community.
For many people, a church becomes much more than a place of worship. It can become a source of friendship, encouragement, support, and fellowship.
Annie’s church family was an important part of her life, and members of the congregation are now among those remembering her.
Her funeral services will also take place at the church, providing family, friends, and fellow church members with an opportunity to gather in her memory.
Family Members Annie Leaves Behind
Annie is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended relatives, and friends.
Her siblings include Gail Smith and her husband, Jerry; Marshall King and his wife, Anita; Linda Morris and her husband, Pod; Brenda Stephens and her husband, Edward; Betty Ashley and her husband, Lester; Eddie King and his wife, Linda; and Leisa Liles and her husband, Chuck.
She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as her cousin Kay Stills and her spouse, Jackie, along with other extended family members.
The large number of relatives who survive Annie reflects the many relationships she developed throughout her 68 years.
Each person will carry their own memories of her.
Remembering Annie Beyond Her Passing
An obituary records important details about someone’s life, but it cannot capture every memory.
For Annie’s loved ones, remembering her will likely involve much more than dates and names.
They will remember family occasions.
They will remember conversations.
They will remember church gatherings.
They will remember celebrations.
They will remember watching children and grandchildren grow.
They will remember the ordinary moments that became meaningful simply because Annie was there.
These memories can become especially valuable during the grieving process.
Annie “Ethelene” Stephens Funeral Arrangements
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Annie “Ethelene” Stephens.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026, at Cowan Apostolic Church of Restoration.
Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the same church.
Bro. Lester Ashley and Bro. Jonathan Stephens will officiate the service.
Following the funeral, Annie will be laid to rest at Cowan Montgomery Cemetery.
The services will provide an opportunity for relatives, friends, church members, and community members to come together, honor Annie’s life, and support the family during this difficult period.
Annie Stephens Obituary Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Annie “Ethelene” Stephens |
| Age | 68 |
| Residence | Cowan, Tennessee |
| Born | October 28, 1957 |
| Birthplace | Winchester, Tennessee |
| Passed Away | September 3, 2026 |
| Place of Death | Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville |
| Husband | James “Howard” Stephens Sr. |
| Marriage | 51 years |
| Children | James H. “Jamie” Stephens Jr. and Dewayne Stephens |
| Church | Cowan Apostolic Church of Restoration |
| Visitation | September 7, 2026, 5–8 p.m. |
| Funeral Service | September 8, 2026, 1 p.m. |
| Officiants | Bro. Lester Ashley and Bro. Jonathan Stephens |
| Burial | Cowan Montgomery Cemetery |
| Former Employer | Linear Clothing |
Annie’s Legacy Across Generations
Perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of Annie’s legacy is the family she leaves behind.
She lived long enough to see her family grow across several generations.
She was a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, giving her the opportunity to experience many of the milestones that make family life meaningful.
Her children and grandchildren will carry memories of her into the future.
Her great-grandchildren will also grow up hearing stories about the woman who helped form an important part of their family’s history.
A person’s legacy can be found in many places, but family is often where it remains strongest.
For Annie, that legacy will continue through the people she loved most.
Cowan Community Remembers Annie
Annie’s connection to Cowan and Franklin County means her passing will be remembered beyond her immediate household.
Neighbors, church members, friends, relatives, and others who encountered her throughout her life will have their own memories.
Some may remember her through church.
Others may remember her through family connections or her years of employment.
Still others may remember her simply as someone from the community.
Together, those memories create a broader picture of Annie’s life and the place she held within the community.
A Life Built on Love and Faith
Annie’s story was ultimately one of family, faith, and relationships.
She spent 68 years building connections with people around her.
She shared 51 years of marriage with Howard.
She raised two sons.
She watched grandchildren and great-grandchildren become part of the family.
She maintained a connection to her church.
And she remained rooted in the community where she was born and raised.
Those experiences form the foundation of the legacy she leaves behind.
Final Tribute to Annie “Ethelene” Stephens
The passing of Annie “Ethelene” Stephens, 68, of Cowan, Tennessee, marks the loss of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, church member, and friend.
She passed away on September 3, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born in Winchester on October 28, 1957, Annie spent her life connected to Franklin County and the Cowan community.
She will be remembered for her devotion to family, her connection to Cowan Apostolic Church of Restoration, and the relationships she built throughout her life.
Her husband, James “Howard” Stephens Sr., shared 51 years of marriage with her. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will now carry forward the memories she created with them.
Visitation will be held Monday, September 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cowan Apostolic Church of Restoration. Funeral services will follow Tuesday, September 8, at 1 p.m., with burial at Cowan Montgomery Cemetery.
As Annie’s loved ones gather to say goodbye, they will also have an opportunity to celebrate the life she shared with them.
Annie “Ethelene” Stephens will be remembered across generations for the love she gave her family, the faith she shared with her church community, and the many memories she leaves behind.
May her family find strength in one another and comfort in the years of memories they shared with her.
May Annie “Ethelene” Stephens rest in peace.