Former SHS Math Teacher, Girls Basketball Coach Donald Stephens Dies, He was 67
SPRINGFIELD TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – A fixture at Springfield High School for over 25 years, retired math teacher and coach Donald Lloyd Stephens has died from complications of COVID-19, his family said in a statement to Smokey Barn News Wednesday, he was just 67.
Stephens, a math teacher and girls basketball coach, taught at Springfield until his retirement in 2014. During his 25 year span at Springfield High School, he became known as the go-to guy when you needed an ear, many telling the family he was one of their favorite teachers.
Since news of Donald’s passing was announced on social media, the response from former students has been tremendous, according to his family. “He touched many lives in Springfield and loved being a mentor to his students.”
Stephens died on February 5, 2021, at the St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. He was born May 19th, 1953 in Oneida, to Charles Lewis (Pete) Stephens and Ethel Alene Stephens.
Donald grew up in Winfield and graduated from Oneida High School Class of 1971. After taking time to start a family, Donald attended Roane State Community College, before completing his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. After graduating, he taught briefly in Stewart and Houston counties prior to his 25-year tenure at Springfield High School where he taught Mathematics and coached girls basketball for several years.
Donald was a Christian, having been a member of Christ Church in Nashville for many years. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing guitar, singing, and UT football.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Sullivan Stephens; parents Charles and Ethel Stephens, and brother Harold Lay.
He is survived by his wife Debby Jo West Stephens; sons: Victor Stephens and wife Amanda and Jeremy Stephens and wife Jennifer; brothers: Morris Stephens and wife Bonnie, and Sammy Stephens and wife Stella; sisters Phyllis Strunk and husband Delmon, and Rachel Kidd; granddaughter Chloe; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and his countless students whom he hoped he had as much an impact on their lives as they did his.
Friends may visit with the Stephens family on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Jones & Son Funeral Home. A private family funeral service will follow with Bro. Lee Strunk officiating.
A public graveside service will follow at the Stephens Cemetery in Winfield.
A memorial service for family and friends will be at a later date.
With the Health Guidelines in place at this time, we ask that you be mindful of the social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Masks are required.
Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Donald Lloyd Stephens.
Mobile: To See The Latest Stories or to share this article, scroll below
