Margery Elaine Stephens (January 6,1938) of Decatur, passed on to her final reward
with Christ Jesus on December 27, 2022.A memorial will be held at First Baptist Church
of Decatur with Dr. Ron Madison officiating. The family will receive visitors from 10:00 to
11:30, a.m. with the service following.
Mrs. Keys is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Jackson Stephens and Ruby
Francis Cook Stephens both of Mobile, Alabama, by her older brother Andrew Jackson
"Jack" Stephens, Jr. of Huntsville, Alabama, and by her twin sister, Martha Jane
Stephens Gay of Pensacola, Florida. She is survived by her husband of fifty-nine years,
Gene, her two sons Andrew (Beth) and Dale (Amy), as well as six grandchildren: Grace
(Taylor) Keys Carlisle, Mitchell, Hope, Hannah, Hayley, and Caleb Keys and numerous
nieces and nephews.
She attended Murphy High School in Mobile, where she lettered in multiple sports and
was a member of the Girl Scout Mariners. She is an alumna of the University of
Montevallo, where she majored in Physical Education and Science. Following
graduation, she taught in the public school systems in Alabama and Louisville, Kentucky.
Her love of sports led her to playing with the Decatur Women's Tennis League. As her
sons grew, Margery became involved with the Cub Scout Program first as a Den
Mother, then as Pack Master. She continued her scouting leadership for over twenty
years. She was recognized by the Tennessee Valley Council for her diligent work in the
scouting program with the Silver Beaver award. Highlights of her Scouting experiences
included attending the National Boy Scout Jamboree as well as multiple trips to the
Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.
Margery was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Decatur, and was involved
with various ministries including Precept Ministries and Bible Study Fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Alabama Baptist Children's Home in
Decatur or Boy Scouts of America.