Ms. Margaret Stephens

Born in Dayton, Ohio, on August 17, 1948, Margaret Stephens was the cherished daughter of the late Rosa Lee Barnett and Rolester Fisher. Margaret grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where she was a proud product of the Columbus Public School system and attended Central High School. A natural leader with a strong work ethic, Margaret dedicated her professional life to hospitality and care.
She spent many years as a supervisor at the Holiday Inn and brought comfort to others as a cook at Mercy Hospital until its closure. She then went on to build a fulfilling 22-year career at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, holding several impactful positions before her well-deserved retirement.

Margaret accepted Christ at a young age, beginning a lifelong walk of faith that defined who she was. In Columbus, she first attended Shady Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop C.M. Davis. She later became a faithful member of Cornerstone Pentecostal Church under Bishop W.L. Butler, and subsequently True Love Ministries under Pastor Sherwin Armstead. Wherever Margaret went, she brought the gift of song. She shared her unique, beautiful soprano voice in each of her church choirs, while also actively sewing on various auxiliaries and boards. In 2013, Margaret relocated to Florida, where she met her dear friend Phyllis Clay, who introduced her to Light of the World Sarasota under the leadership of Pastor Kelvin Lumpkin. There she was affectionately nicknamed “Ma Margaret” by her new Florida church daughters.

Ma Margaret embraced her new church family with open arms and served faithfully until her passing. At The Light, she was a dedicated member of HOPE Ministry (feeding the homeless), the Voices Choir, and the Senior Choir. Recognizing her wisdom and grace, she also served proudly on the Mothers’ Board and was a cherished member of the Golden Girls. Margaret had a true heart for service and was best known for her bright, radiant smile that could light up any room.

Beyond her warm presence, she possessed a legendary ability to cook. She could truly cook anything, but her absolute specialties were collard greens, hot water cornbread, perfectly fried chicken, and her famous, mountain-sized Crisco cakes. For Margaret, cooking was a profound expression of love, and she took immense joy in feeding her family and friends. If you were blessed to be a friend of Margaret, you also knew one undeniable truth: she absolutely loved to eat and celebrate life around the table with those she loved.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Rosa Lee Barnett and Rolester Fisher; her beloved husband of 27 years, Elijah Brewster, and husband Moses Stephens of 9 years; son, Elijah Brewster Jr.; brothers, Wilbert Smith and Jerry Stirtmire; sister, Michelle Stirtmire. Precious and beautiful memories will be forever cherished by those she loved most her children; Elaine Brewster and Eric (Christal) Brewster; siblings; sister Pastor Judy Whitlow; sister-in-law Teresa Stirtmire; brothers Herman “Maceo” Brown, Herbert “JR” Stirtmire, Walter Stirtmire, Calvin Barnett, and Dwight Barnett; 12 Grandchildren; Lanae Stokes, Tomarreo Crump, Eric Brewster Jr., Tyriian (Christian) Crump Sr., Adrian Nuesbaum, Cavon Ray, Malik Brewster, Keilah Brewster, Amariah Brewster, Omar Brewster, Jordan Brewster, and Maleah Brewster; 9 Great-Grandchildren; Brazanae Madison, Brad Madison Jr., IYriian Crump Jr., Tristiian Crump, Neriah Ray-Murden, Triniity Crump,
Tyriiaq Crump, Kamari Brooks, and Keilen Brooks; Special Family, nephew Kevin (Monica) Whitlow, Jermaine Henderson, and Jamaal Stirtmire; nieces Debbie Allen, Toria Kariuki, Tonia Whitlow, Jerrica Gardner, Jeannine Gardner, and Charlisa McLin; Special Cousins; Peggy Bottoms, Nucci Herron, Alice Palmer, Joanne Ross, and Frankie Thompson; and a small group of devoted friends.
Margaret also leaves behind a host of other special nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

Arrangement’s Entrusted to Chandler’s Funeral Home.