Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 07, 2022 at New Hope Baptist Church in Sumrall for Charles Edward Stephens, 71, of Sumrall, who passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at his residence. Interment will be at New Hope Baptist Church in Sumrall. Rev. Dean Stewart, Rev. James Stuart, Rev. Tyler Ferguson, and Rev. Neal Breeland will officiate the services. Phillip Butler, Tyler Ferguson, and Brad Stephens will provide special music. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Friday, October 7, 2022 at New Hope Baprist Church.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Richard Horace Stephens; Mother, Frances Lowery Stamps; Granddaughter, Ashley Ryals.

He is survived by his wife, Latrice Craft Stephens of Sumrall, MS; two sons, Brad Stephens (Paige) and Brent Stephens; daughter, Julie Ryals (Chris); four grandsons: Matthew Ryals, Jacob Ryals, Daniel Stephens and John Isaac Stephens; four granddaughters: Stephanie Ryals, Amelia Stephens, Hattie Stephens and Charleigh Stephens; two Sisters Linda Warren (J.W.) of Seminary, MS, Sherrie Rawls (Kieth) of Perkinston, MS; one Brother, Horace "Cotton" Stephens (Betty) of Sumrall, MS.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Ryals, Jacob Ryals, Scott Russell, Jessie Warren Jr., Matt Spears, and Al Pursley. Honorary pallbearers will be Cody Rawls, Jerry Warren, Keith Stubbs, Lee Sanford, Steven Sanford, and John Isaac Stephens.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Homes of Hope for Children in Purvis.

Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com