Obituary of John Eldon Stephens

John Eldon Stephens, 85, of Talladega, AL passed away at his home on Thursday, April 10, 2025. A celebration of life ceremony will be held in his honor at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at First Methodist Church of Talladega with Todd Henderson and Ted Peterson officiating. His family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service. Mr. Stephens served in the United States Marine Corp. He was a member of First Methodist Church of Talladega for over 50 years where he proudly sang in the choir and served on numerous committees. He was an avid turkey hunter, novice guitar player, decorated marksman, and certified auctioneer. Mr. Stephens enjoyed cooking, Kentucky bourbon, and cigars. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. His family and church were paramount to him. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth Stephens Friley and parents, E.T. and Mildred Brooks. Mr. Stephens is survived by his wife, Karen Stephens; son, John “Duce” Stephens II (Linda); daughter, Lindsey Bice Lackey; grandchildren, Adara Albin (Alex), Miguel Garcia, Monica Garcia, Gabriel Garcia, Madison Friley, John “Jack” Stephens III, Garrett Prestridge, and Brooks Lackey; brother, Don Stephens (Linda), and sister, Becky Wheeler (Bob). In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made in his memory to First Methodist Church of Talladega, 400 East St. S., Talladega, AL 35160. Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.