Athens - Willie Jo Sessions Stephens, 96, went home to be with the Lord on September 12, 2025, in Tyler, Texas. She was born on January 24, 1929, in Murchison, Texas, to Willie Lee Sessions and Winnie Ellen Shelton Sessions.

Willie Jo came from a rich family heritage. Her great-grandmother and grandfather immigrated from Norway, settling first in Bosque County before making their home in Brownsboro, Texas. She was the oldest of four girls and grew up in Murchison, Brownsboro, Tyler, Martha, Oklahoma, and Athens. While living in Oklahoma, she proudly served as the captain of her volleyball team.

Known affectionately as "Mema," Willie Jo was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved the Lord deeply and dedicated her life to serving Him and her family. As a teenager, she began her singing career at a small church in Eustace. Mema was a faithful member of the United Pentecostal Church of Athens, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, Ladies Auxiliary Secretary, and song leader for 45 years. She was known for her selfless nature, her compassionate spirit, and her powerful prayers. Many of her Sunday school students went on to become singers, pastors, pastors' wives, and preachers themselves. After her time in Athens, Tyler Tabernacle became her beloved home church, where she faithfully continued serving the Lord and her community.

Outside of church, Willie Jo worked at Tom Thumb, Gibson's, the Weatherford's Store, and Beall's. She was a strong woman who lived the life of a housewife and farmer's wife—gardening, canning, and working tirelessly to care for her family. She often looked forward to the weekends or summer break, when her grandchildren or great grandchildren would come to visit. Her nieces and nephews also loved spending summers at her home, where Mema's open arms and loving heart made everyone feel welcome.

Willie Jo was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, Arlie Ray Stephens (2006); son Gary Wayne Pagitt (2012); granddaughter Pamela Denise Green (2014); great-grandson Zane Michael Pagitt (2013); and sisters Clovis Huggins (2009) and Sue Venable (2011).

She is survived by her son Rickie Pagitt of Athens; daughter Debbie Cornett and husband Ken of Murchison; and sister Winnie Grissaffi of Palestine, 6 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.