Mrs. Doris S. Stephens

Mrs. Doris S. Stephens, 81, of Ellijay, formerly of Savannah, died Monday, March 21, 2022, at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital.

She was born May 3, 1940, in Hardeeville, S.C., to Grover and Neta Smith.

She was a 1958 graduate of Hardeeville High School and a graduate of Draughon’s Business College in Savannah. She was then hired as the first female deputy clerk of Superior Court in Chatham County. She went on to become the first female chief deputy clerk of Chatham County. She was eventually elected as the first female Clerk of Superior Court of Chatham County, a position she served in for three terms.

She retired in 1996 after spending 34 years working in the clerk’s office.

She married James Stephens in 1961. They were married over 54 years until his death in 2016. She was a proud wife, mother and grandmother.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bloomingdale. She enjoyed reading, baking, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by daughter, Denise (Maynard) Griggs, of Ellijay; granddaughter, Reagan (Kevin) Pritchett, of Ellijay; beloved niece, Loraine Phillips, of Bloomingdale; and other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by husband, James Stephens, parents, Grover and Neta Smith; and brother, JC Smith.

A graveside service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Gravel Hill Cemetery in Bloomingdale with the Rev. Steven Blake officiating. 

Pallbearers were Maynard Griggs, Kevin Pritchett, Kyle Boyd, Logan Thomas, Dennis Burgess and Dennis Baxter.

Donations can be made to the Gilmer County Animal Shelter.

Logan Funeral Home & Chapel was in charge of arrangements.