A Life Rooted in Love, Family & Joy

Some lives are remembered not simply by the years lived, but by the love given, the laughter shared, and the memories left behind. Clydia Mae Stephenson lived such a life. Family was the center of her world, and those blessed to know her will remember a woman who loved her children deeply, enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, and treasured every opportunity to be surrounded by the people she loved.

Clydia Mae Stephenson was born on September 17, 1954, in Karnack, Texas, to the proud parentage of Theo Thomas and Della Mae Thomas.

During her childhood, Clydia and her family made their home near the border of Grand Prairie and West Irving, Texas. She was educated in the Irving public school system and proudly graduated from MacArthur High School.

Her spiritual foundation was established at Rocky Spring Baptist Church, where she grew up in the faith and served as a youth worker. Even in her younger years, Clydia understood the importance of giving her time and sharing herself with others.

As life continued to unfold, Clydia met and married Aubrey Stephenson, and to their union one child was born. Her heart and her family would continue to grow, as she was blessed with three additional children whom she loved and embraced. For Clydia, being a mother was much more than a title—it was one of the greatest joys and responsibilities of her life. She dedicated herself to her children and always placed family above all else.

Clydia was also a hardworking woman. She was employed with Omnitrition for several years before beginning a career with the City of Grand Prairie, where she served as a clerk until her retirement.

But there was much more to Clydia than work.

She knew how to enjoy life.

Give her a comfortable place to sit and an episode of The Rifleman or Judge Judy, and she could settle right in. Music brought her joy, and family gatherings gave her an opportunity to do something she truly loved—mingle, laugh, talk, listen, and simply enjoy being in the presence of family.

And then there were her poodles.

Clydia had a special place in her heart for her beloved poodles and had several throughout the years. They were more than pets; they were her companions and another expression of the nurturing spirit that came so naturally to her.

Clydia's life was not defined by grand gestures. It was found in the everyday things that matter most: loving her children, enjoying her family, listening to good music, caring for her dogs, sharing conversation, watching her favorite television programs, and creating memories with the people she loved.

When her earthly journey came to an end, Clydia left behind something that time cannot erase—a family who knew they were loved.

Those Who Went Before Her

Clydia was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Theo Thomas and Della Mae Thomas; her sisters, Carolyn Moffitt, Patricia Thomas, and Brenda Thomas; her brother, Jimmy Thomas; and her granddaughter, Precious Marshall.

A Legacy of Love

Those left to cherish her life and carry her memories forward include her children, Herman “HL” (Brittney) Kirven III, Jerrard Kirven, Adella Stephenson, and Talor (Andre) Taylor; bonus children, Michael Cherry and Marcus Thomas; and grandchildren, Camron Kirven, Jamaree McGilbea, Christian K. Kirven, and Kaydence Taylor. Sisters; Wanda K. McCowan & Edna 'Sheba' Thomas.

She also leaves behind extended family, loved ones, and dear friends whose lives were made richer simply because Clydia Mae Stephenson was a part of them.

Though her chair at the family gathering may now be empty, her presence will remain—in the music that brings back a memory, in a familiar television show that makes someone smile, in stories told around the family table, and in every generation that carries a piece of her forward.

Her work is complete. Her love remains. Her memories are ours to treasure. And her legacy lives on through her family.