Shelby Jean (Jennings) Stephens, a Coalgate resident, was born on February 10, 1937, to George Elvis and Vivian Ilene (Childers) Jennings, at Coalgate, Oklahoma. Shelby went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 6, 2026, at Coalgate, Oklahoma, at the age of 88 years, 11 months and 27 days. She attended school at Lone Star and Coalgate, graduating from Coalgate with the Class of 1955. After high school she worked for the Valley Abstract and then the Department of Human Services. Shelby married James Stephens on April 14, 1961, at the Coalgate Missionary Baptist Church and they began their lives together in Coalgate. James and Shelby moved to Hugo, Oklahoma, in 1965 for James' job and Shelby retired to raise her children and help on the ranch where she was a jack of all trades. They later moved to Ardmore in 1967 and then to Atoka in 1972. Finally in 1978, they returned to Coalgate where they made their home for 48 years. Regardless of where they lived, they attended and were members of the Coalgate Missionary Baptist Church where she was the first member baptized. Shelby faithfully served as the pianist, secretary, and treasurer for years. Some of the highlights of her life were family vacations, family gatherings, church, working on the ranch, and being on the Price is Right. She could often be found feeding cows, working cows, building barns, or cooking. Shelby was a devout Christian and enjoyed her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. James and Shelby were blessed with 64 wonderful years together.

SURVIVED BY

Husband: James Stephens of the home

Children: Jamie Anderson and husband David of Ada, OK

Jerry Stephens and wife Barbara of Coalgate, OK

Grandchildren: Kelsey Hoffman and husband Cooper of Salado, TX, Jerad Stephens and wife Morgan of Norman, OK, Jace Stephens and Shayla Posey of McAlester, OK, Guthrie Clower and wife Sammy of Durant, OK, Hadley Clower of Oklahoma City, OK, Kacie Holbrook and husband Clayton of Ada, OK

Great Grandchildren: Calan Hoffman, Paden Clower, Paisley Clower, Dottie Holbrook

Special Friend: Mary Pebworth

PRECEDED IN DEATH BY

Parents: George Elvis and Vivian Ilene (Childers) Jennings

Sister: Maxine Ingram and husband Ray

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DATE OF SERVICES: 2:00 PM Friday, February 13th, 2026

PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Coalgate, Oklahoma

OFFICIATING: Bro. Brandon Bates and Joe Cannon

INTERMENT: Coalgate Cemetery

CASKETBEARERS: Larry Taylor, Russell McDonald, Chillie Joe Bills, Adam Vaughn, Gaylin Childers, Justin Childers

HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: George Rose, Harry Tunnel, Don Runyan, Charles McCall Sr., Vern Bates, Gary Furey

FAMILY NIGHT WILL BE THURSDAY 6-8 PM.

CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNSFSCOALGATE@SBCGLOBAL.NET.  PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF

BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - COALGATE, OK