Ms. Merica "Elaine" Stephens

Ms. Merica Stephens affectionately known as "Elaine," passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at her residence. Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church with Rev. James Ennis Moore officiating. Interment was held in Brownwood Cemetery.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11: 28-29

“Time to Be Born”

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3

Ms. Merica “Elaine” Stephens was born on August 5, 1958 in Sandersville, Georgia to the parentage of Mrs. Geraldine Larkin Stephens and the late Mr. Nelson Stephens.

She was preceded in death by three brothers: Mr. Larry “Cool Daddy” Stephens, Mr. Ronald Louis Stephens and Mr. Alton LaDunn “Duck” Stephens.

“A Time to Grow”

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Colossians 3:23

Merica attended the Public School System of Washington County and was a graduate of the class of 1976. She also attended Georgia College, where she graduated in 1981, being the first graduate in her family. She began her career in Dublin at Twin Oaks Recovery Center, a 28-day residential substance abuse treatment program as a Healthcare Technician in 1990. In 1994, Merica accepted a position with the Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer at the Autry Pre-Transitional Center, a stand alone unit and an annex to the Autry State Prison. She subsequently became a correctional officer for the Autry State Prison until the year 2000, when she was selected as a Behavioral Health Counselor at Autry Pre-Transitional Center under the supervision of Mr. Keith Jones.

In 2003, Merica transferred to the LaGrange Transitional Center and helped start that program from ground zero. In 2007, Merica transferred to the Atlanta Specialized Probation Unit as a group facilitator under the supervision of Mrs. Pat Dague-Creech. In 2009, Merica was selected as a Substance Abuse Counselor for the Metro Atlanta Day Reporting Center and helped start the program when the program was in its developmental stage under the supervision of Mrs. Eleanor Brown.

In 2011, Merica received her certification as Alcohol and Drug Counselor from the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA) and the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). Merica ended her career with the Department of Community Supervision as a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor at the Metro Atlanta Day Reprting Center under the supervision of Mrs. MonaLisa Newsome. She retired on August 31, 2018 with twenty-seven (27) years of faithful service.

Ms. Stephens leaves to cherish her memories, her beloved son: Mr. Demetro Donell (Olu) Stephens of Sandersville, Georgia; mother: Prophetess Geraldine Stephens of Sandersville, Georgia; four grandchildren: Ms. Courtney Stephens of Buford, Georgia, Mr. Demetro Stephens, Jr. of Costa Rica, Mr. Micah Stephens, Miss Mila Stephens of Sandersville, Georgia; twin sister: Ms. Merilynn Stephens McCray of Sandersville, Georgia; two brothers: Mr. Calvin Stephens, Rev. Gregory “Ted” (Cathy) Stephens both of Sandersville, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

“A Time to Die”

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7

Ms. Merica Elaine Stephens departed this life to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. M. C. Smith Funeral Home in charge.