Annie “Ethelene” Stephens Obituary, COWAN, Tenn. — Annie “Ethelene” Stephens, 68, of Cowan, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, surrounded by her loving family.
A native of Franklin County, Annie was born in Winchester on October 28, 1957, to the late Robert and Gertrude (Henshaw) King. She was raised in the area and remained connected to the community throughout her life.
Before her retirement, Annie was employed at Linear Clothing. Beyond her professional life, she found great joy in spending time with her beloved family and was also deeply connected to her church family at Cowan Apostolic Church of Restoration.
Annie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Gertrude King; her niece, Patricia King Lawrence; and her nephews, Stacy Goff and Justin Goff.
She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, James “Howard” Stephens Sr.; her sons, James H. “Jamie” Stephens Jr. and his wife, Andrea, and Dewayne Stephens and his wife, Kristyn; and her grandchildren, J.C. Stephens and his wife, Skylar, Kylee Stephens and her husband, Levi, Ethan Stephens, and Abby Stephens.
Annie’s family also includes her great-grandchildren, Atticus, Abram, Arabella, Cannon, and Archer Stephens; siblings 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 several nieces and nephews, cousin Kay Stills and her spouse, Jackie, and other extended family members.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, September 7, 2026, at Cowan Apostolic Church of Restoration. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the same church, with Bro. Lester Ashley and Bro. Jonathan Stephens officiating. Interment will follow at Cowan Montgomery Cemetery.
Annie “Ethelene” Stephens will be remembered by her family, church family, and those who knew her throughout the Cowan and Franklin County community. Her passing marks a loss for those who shared her life, and condolences are extended to her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family during this difficult time.
