Veronica D. Stephens

Missionary Veronica V. “Fe-Fe” Daugherty Stephens, an only child, was born January 20, 1952 in Winter Park, Florida. She was the proud daughter of Mae Frances Daugherty. Affectionately called Ronnie, she was raised in a God–fearing household and was taught Christian values and principles by her grandparents, Elder William H. and Missionary Letha B. Daugherty. Veronica’s early education began at Welbourne Nursery in Winter Park, Florida. She attended Orange County Public Schools in Winter Park, Florida. From ninth through twelfth grades (1968-1970), she transferred to Matthew Scippio Academy in Ocala, Florida. After completion of High School, she attended and graduated from Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, as a National Honor Society Member. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education (1970-1975), and received her Master’s Degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and continued contributing to civic and community causes. She taught in the Orange County Public School System for many years. At an early age, Veronica accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the Church of God by Faith. She later joined the Church of God in Christ where she remained. On August 21, 1982, she married the love of her life, Robert G. Stephens her kindergarten classmate. She was the Queen of his life! Veronica continued her lifelong teaching career over seas at American Military schools during her husband’s military assignments, including in Germany and Radcliff, Kentucky, where she also served in various capacities in the Church of God in Christ. She was multi-talented in performing arts, drama, and speaking. She demonstrated a unique knack for her flamboyant couture. Veronica stood out in a crowd with her one-of-a-kind style, wearing bright, bold, colorful accessories and jewelry that showcased her individuality and beauty. She left anyone who knew her with memorable impressions...that once you met her...you would never forget her. After returning to Florida in 2000, she continued to serve at Flowers Temple Church of God in Christ in the following ministries: Director of Choir #2, Depugh Nursing Home Ministry President, and she established the “Golden Girls” of Flowers Temple to ensure that the senior women and “seniors in training” of the church, who did not have family in the area were celebrated on their birthdays. In the Western Florida Jurisdiction, she was an Executive Hospitality President, and served on the Advisory Board in the Women’s Department. She also assisted in many other departments on local and state levels. Veronica was a Proverbs 31 Woman, Prayer Warrior, Servant, Friend, Godmother, and Confidant. She was a member of Mission Road Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Larry Perkins until she transitioned on September 10, 2023.’’ Veronica’s mother, Mae Francis Daugherty Jones, and grandparents, Elder William H. and Mother Letha B. Daugherty, preceded her in death; as well as her aunts, Mary Elizabeth, Henrietta, Letha Pearl, and Betty Jean. She leaves to mourn her transition, her beloved and devoted husband: Deacon Robert G. Stephens; her aunt Naomi Daugherty; a sister-in-law Arlene Warren; a host of cousins, god children, and devoted friends Magdalene Walton, Kathy Blake Clemmons, Mary Thompson (Billy), Vivian Floyd, and Carolyn Matthews.

Tributes

Veronica D. Stephens

January 20, 1952 - September 10, 2023