Jessie Lee Stephens, 82, of Pontiac, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Jessie's kindness, faith, and commitment to service touched countless lives in her family and community.

Born on May 14, 1942, in Gordonville, Alabama, to Lucy Nell Rudolph and Joseph "Joe" Means, Jessie moved to Pontiac in 1952 as a young girl and made it her lifelong home. In 1959, she married the love of her life and her "honey bun," Robert Earl Stephens.  Jessie and Robert built a strong, loving partnership that spanned over 65 years. They lovingly raised four children.

For over 32 years, Jessie dedicated herself to a career at Ford Motor Company, retiring as an inspector in 1999. Even after retirement, she never slowed down.  Jessie devoted countless hours to advocating for her community by volunteering in the Pontiac School  District, participating in neighborhood outreach groups and programs, and helping feed the hungry through a local church soup kitchen.  She was baptized and raised her family at the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Pontiac.

Jessie will be remembered for her hearty laughter, high-spirited nature, generosity, "green thumb" that nurtured a beautiful yard and thriving garden, fun at the casino, and, most of all, unwavering love for others. Jessie was always ready with an encouraging word, a stern piece of sage advice, or a helping hand.  Though her family and friends mourn her loss, they take comfort knowing her light continues to shine through the many lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucy Nell Wilson and Joseph "Joe" Means; her beloved son, Zachary Stephens; and a granddaughter, Charlesha Stephens.  Jessie is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Stephens; her children, Delores Stephens, Charles Stephens, and Katanya (Carlos) Edwards; her siblings, Annie Mary Brown, Velma (Arthur) Stephens, and Council (Annie) Rudolph, Sr., as well as a large loving family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.  Her legacy of strength lives on in all who knew her.

Visitation, Friday, April 4, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cobb's Funeral Home – 151 Orchard Lake Road, Pontiac, MI 48341.

Homegoing Celebration, Saturday, April 5, 2025, at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church  174 Branch Street, Pontiac, MI 48341. Family Hour at 10:00 AM; Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Interment:** Oak Hill Cemetery – 216 University Drive, Pontiac, MI 48342.