Edwina Havens Stephenson

Eunice Edwina (Havens) Stephenson

Edwina Stephenson, age 91, of Vancleave, MS, passed away peacefully in Ocean Springs, MS on
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025. Edwina was born on September 15, 1933, in Vancleave, MS, to John
Pliney and Eunice Victoria (Holden) Havens.

Edwina was a 1952 graduate of Vancleave High School. At VHS she excelled as a star basketball
player. She was a starting player and Lettered all four years. She consistently excelled as the high
scorer for her team. She was a dual threat, playing on both offense and defense. She served as
Team Captain during her senior year and led her team to win the Lyman Tournament bringing home
the first athletic trophy for VHS since the old school burned down with all the trophies inside. Due to
her leadership, both on and off the court, she was elected President of the Athletic Association. Her
athletic accomplishments were recognized in 2023 when she was inducted into the Vancleave
Athletic Hall of Fame. Edwina also excelled with the 4-H. During the early 1950’s, barely a week
went by without a mention of Edwina in the local newspapers for excelling in and winning Blue
Ribbons at local, regional, and state sewing and dress making competitions. She again exhibited her
leadership while serving as President of the Vancleave 4H Club, the Jackson County 4-H Council,
and participation in the State 4-H Club Congress.

While working at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile, AL, Edwina met the love of her life, J. D. “Steve”
Stephenson, son of James Dudley and Emmie Pearl (Champion) Stephenson. On September 15,
1956, they were married in Vancleave, MS. Their enduring love story spanned over 68 years and was
a shining example for all to see.

Edwina dedicated her life to supporting her husband in his career in the U.S. Air Force, and later with
Jackson County, making a home for them, and raising their children. For 16 of his 20-year Air Force
career she was always beside him wherever the military took them be it South Carolina, Mississippi,
or Oklahoma. She was a constant presence in the lives of her sons whether serving as a Cub Scout
Den Mother, engaging with their school teachers, or daily providing support and guidance to them so
they could achieve their goals. She not only served in the home but contributed to supporting the
family through jobs at various stores. After Steve’s retirement from the Air Force and with the family
settled in her hometown of Vancleave, she became a friendly and welcoming fixture in a couple of
Vancleave businesses, especially the H.P. Davis Grocery where she worked for many years. In this
venue, she met, welcomed, and interacted with nearly everyone in Vancleave. Everyone knew Miss
Edwina, and were better for it.

Edwina was a devoted member of Red Hill Methodist Church in Vancleave for all her life. She actively
participated in the church community, serving in various elected board positions and volunteering with
the church. It was a rare day that she and her family were not present for Sunday service.
She is survived by her two sons: Jonathon Dudley “Steve” (Madeline) Stephenson of Vancleave, MS,
and their daughter Wendi Beason (Mike) and sons Gavin, Griffin, and Hudsen, of San Antonio TX;
and COL Victor Havens (Mary Beth) Stephenson of Springfield, VA and their sons, CPT James David
Stephenson of Fort Lewis, WA and Brian Miller Stephenson of Springfield, VA; and her sister, Mary
Ellen (Jasper) Pryor of Vancleave, MS.

Edwina was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Steve, her parents, John Pliney and Eunice
Victoria (Holden) Havens, and two brothers: Hubert (Faye) Havens and Berton (Bessie) Havens.
A funeral service will be held at Red Hill Methodist Church, Vancleave, MS, with burial to follow in the
church cemetery. Public visitation will begin at 11:00am and funeral services will begin at noon on
Wednesday, July 9 th , 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Red Hill

Methodist Church Building Fund or Cemetery Fund in Edwina’s memory. You may make these
donations by mailing to Red Hill Methodist Church, 19011 Old River Rd, Vancleave, MS 39565 or by
Zelle to 703-725-4174.

We find comfort in knowing that Edwina’s legacy of service, love, and dedication lives on through the
example she set, the lessons she taught us, the love she shared, and the memories that will forever
be cherished by her family and friends.

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