Reverend Douglas Ray Stephens

The Rev. Douglas R. Stephens passed away peacefully on Jan. 17, 20ll at his home in Grand Ledge, MI. He was born on June 7, 1929 in Williamston, MI and shortly thereafter, moved to Lansing where he spent his youth. Attending school was not his priority at that time and one might have predicted he was headed toward a troubled and difficult life. He found a new way of living at age l8 after he was baptized and "born again" at the East Side Apostolic Tabernacle on Francis St. in Lansing, He had no way of knowing that the pastor who baptized him, Rev. Hebert Starr, would later become his father in law. A few weeks later after this turning point in his life, he met the love of his life, Gloria Eleanor Starr. He was immediately stricken by her beauty and fell in love with her. He told her he was going to become a preacher. She said she wouldn't marry a preacher so he didn't bring it up again until after they were married on Sept 10, 1948.They were completely devoted to their life together to the end and were married for 62 years. Gloria had just graduated from MSU when she met Douglas and had an offer to work in Chicago as a buyer at a department store. She declined that job and married Douglas after they were introduced by Gloria's brother, H. James Starr. Rev. Stephens attended Bible College in St. Paul, Minn. and became a licensed minister of the United Pentecostal Church in I95I. During his early years in the ministry, he worked at REO on the assembly line and later at Oldsmobile. During this time he continued his commitment to the ministry by founding the United Pentecostal Church of Owosso in 1954 and later worked as an assistant pastor in Flint, MI. After he returned to the Lansing area he assisted the Rev. Hebert Starr before founding the First United Pentecostal Church in Grand Ledge in May 1963. He was so determined to found the church that the first services were held in a eleven by twenty five foot building with no plumbing at 405 S. Bridge St. From this humble beginning the church grew and thrived and eventually moved to a much larger church building in downtown Grand Ledge. The strong following of parishioners, led by their devoted Pastor broke ground for the current building in 1981 at 12745 Georgia St. in Grand Ledge, and is now known as The Liberty Church. He pastored the church for 48 years. Rev. Stephens's son, Rev. David Stephens, now pastors The Liberty Church as well as the Life Christian Church in Lansing. Over the years, Rev. Stephens' ministry has touched many lives. He completely devoted his life to the success of the church and was absolutely steadfast in his beliefs to the end. He had a strong and un-compromising sense of "right and wrong" and never wavered in those beliefs. He helped many people change their lives for the better. Rev. Stephens was preceded in his death by his mother Lilah and father George, his sisters Verma, Irene and Bernice, as well as his brother Bruce. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Gloria, sons Rev. David and wife Kathryn, Daniel and wife Deborah, of Lansing, Robert and wife Elaine of Grand Ledge and daughter Carla and husband Wayne Compton of Orange, CA. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren Nathanael, David James, Justin, Andrea, April, Alicia, Benjamin and Victoria, as well as five great grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister Jeanette of Las Vegas, Nevada as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many devoted and caring church members. Visitation will be at The Liberty Church Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 8 PM. The funeral service will be Friday at 2 PM and interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Grand Ledge. After the committal at Oakwood everyone is invited to dinner at The Liberty Church. Memorial contributions may be made to The Liberty Church for a special project in his memory. Arrangements are being handled by Holihan-Atkin Funeral Home Grand Ledge. www.holihanatkin.com

Reverend Douglas Ray Stephens

June 7, 1929 - January 17, 2011