Joel Talmadge Stephens

On February 4, 2023 Joel T. Stephens passed away at the age of 71 in Decatur, Alabama. He was born on September 25, 1951 in Mountain Creek (Clanton), Alabama to Clifton and Helen Stephens. 

He served as an Army medic from 1971-1974. Joel received his Bachelors in art education from AUM and Master’s in education from UAB. He taught in the Decatur City School System, serving the majority of his tenure teaching art education at Cedar Ridge Middle School. He was an adjunct art professor at Calhoun Community College. 

He and Jeanna Stephens were married on October 22, 1995. Joel was a member of the Christian Motorcycles Association. He was an avid music lover. In his earlier years, Joel enjoyed back packing and riding his motorcycle. His life’s passion, art of every variety, was admired by many. He was a member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Decatur, AL. 

Joel was preceded in death by his father, Clifton and his mother, Helen. 

He is survived by his wife, Jeanna, his two children, Ben Davis (Michelle), Rebecca Churchwell (Cliff), his grandchildren, Aliyah, Alonna, Alyssa (Churchwell), Micah, Breley (Davis), his brother, Jim (Alice), his niece, Katherine, nephew, Eric, and several cousins. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 11th, 2023 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1700 Carridale St SW, Decatur, AL 35601. Visitation will start at 1:00 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. 

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