With profound love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Patsy Ruth Stephens, born on October 12, 1953, in Livingston, Texas, and raised in Houston, Texas. On October 12, 2026, she completed her earthly journey and returned home on the very day she entered this world—a full-circle exit as unique and unforgettable as she was. God clearly knew the assignment. Patsy accepted God at an early age and was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, under the leadership of her cousin and pastor, Bishop Fred Owens. A proud graduate of Phyllis Wheatley High School, Patsy continued her education at Texas Southern University before serving her country with honor as a Communications Specialist in the United States Army. Her career spanned several roles: Postal Carrier at the U.S. Post Office, Bus Driver for Metropolitan Transit Authority as part of its inaugural female class, Tax Professional at H&R Block, Optical Technician at the VA Medical Center, and Medical Billing Specialist at Optum Healthcare. Her lifelong dedication to learning and self-improvement led her to earn several certifications, including Medical Billing and Coding from Fortis Institute in 2021, Licensed Chemical Dependency Certification from the University of Houston in 2002, and Pharmacy Technician certification from HCC in 2026. She served as Veterans Administration PRRC President, a role she held with honor and grace. Born to Albert James Stephens and Mary Lee Hill, Patsy experienced the loss of her father at a young age. After his passing, her life was richly blessed when Wilfred “Pop” Bourda entered her life and became the devoted father figure she cherished, offering steadfast guidance, love, and support throughout the years. Patsy lived her life in full color. She had an affinity for fast cars, the kind that made you wonder if you needed to buckle up to ride in her passenger seat. Her eclectic sense of style was unmatched, and she wore confidence like it was custom-made. Nontraditional in every way, she celebrated life with a free spirit and laughed with a joy that made everyone around her feel alive. If there was music playing, she was dancing; and if there was silence, she was probably about to fix that, too. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Albert James Stephens; mother, Mary Lee Hill; stepfather, Wilfred “Pop” Bourda; and brother, Wilford Earl Stephens.

Left to cherish Patsy’s legacy are her children, Doneshea Stephens McNeil (George) and Damien Thomas; grandchildren, Remy Brown and Taylor Brown; brothers Albert Stephens, Larry Stephens (Renae), and Rickey Stephens (Myava); sisters Kimberly Bourda Murphy and Bridgette Patton (Genarrow); sister-in-law Marsha Stephens; special aunts Edna Benford (93 yoa), Betty Lee Johnson (92 yoa), Gloria Jean Stephens (92 yoa), Annie Mae Owens (93 yoa), and Willie Mae Thornton (92 yoa); special uncle Paul Hill (Doris); special nieces Ebonee Stephens, Samaria Stephens, and Taqiyyah Weathersby; and special nephews Royce Stephens (Shaun) and Larry Stephens III (Sharonda). Along with a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends who loved her deeply—and who will forever smile when remembering her stories, her style, and her legendary ability to turn any room into her stage. 

Though Patsy’s earthly chapter has closed, her spirit rises—vibrant, joyful, unfiltered, and eternal. Her laughter, her flair, and her boundless love will continue to guide us. The memories she created are gifts we will carry forward, and her light will shine in every story told about her for years to come. May her soul rest in perfect peace, and may her memory continue to bring laughter and love to all who knew her.