Aug. 3, 1928 – June 30, 2014

NATCHEZ — Services for Ella Rita Courtney Stephens, 85, of Natchez formerly of Berwick, La., who died Monday, June 30, 2014, at her residence, with her family by her side, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Grace United Methodist Church with the Rev. Nance Hixon officiating.

Burial will be at 1 p.m. Sunday in Morgan City Cemetery in Morgan City, La., with the Rev. Steven Kelly officiating, under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.

Mrs. Stephens was born Aug. 3, 1928, the daughter of Joseph Courtney and Agnes Brown Courtney.

She was a faithful and active member of Grace United Methodist Church.

She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt.

Mrs. Stephens was preceded in death by her loving husband, Stephen J. Stephens; her parents; one sister, Stella Courtney Clements; and one brother, Burney J. Courtney.

Survivors include one son, Michael Courtney Stephens and wife, Margaret Storey; one grandson, Jason Michael Stephens; one granddaughter, Misty Stephens Swartz and husband, Craig; two great-grandchildren, Kalie Stephens and Jaydon Swartz; one brother, Irving Courtney; and a number of nephews and nieces.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Online condolences may be made to lairdfh.com.