Leatrice Stephens

Leatrice Stephens, 73, also known as, “Lee Lee”, transitioned to her eternal home on March 14, 2022. She was born to Maceo Sr. and Beatrice Grayson on April 18, 1948, in Kansas City Missouri. “Lee Lee” was the 12th of 13 children.

She grew up in the Leeds Dunbar community, attending Dunbar Elementary and graduating from Central High School in 1966. After graduation she became a full-time nanny for her eldest cousin, Hazel Nicholson.

On March 22, 1969, Leatrice was joined in holy matrimony to Charles C. Stephens and to this union two children were born. This marriage was later dissolved.

“Lee Lee” came to know the Lord as a young adult as a member of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late, Rev. Melvin T. Broyles.  She later became a member of Gilbert Memorial AME, Rev. Barbara Harper, pastor, until her transition.

She was employed by Sears and Roebuck for many years after which she became a school monitor for Vancom Bus Company. She ended her career working at Truman Medical Center retiring in 2010.

“Lee Lee” was preceded in death by her parents, Maceo Sr., and Beatrice Grayson; 9 siblings, Lemuel, Nathaniel, Clarence Sr., Elmer Sr., Lawrence, Bertha Tuggle, Leon, Corrine Boles, and Alan Grayson; a special niece, Ursula Randolph; and road dog, Carmen Brown.

“Lee Lee” leaves to cherish her special memories, her eldest daughter, Nicole Stephens of Kansas, and her “baby girl” Teresa Stephens of the home; grandchildren, Al Hayes of Kansas, and Deionte Wilson of the home; great-grandson, Brandon Jerry-Hayes; her siblings, Maceo Grayson Jr. (Janice) Rosie Randolph, and her twin, Beatrice Grayson; sisters-in-law, Joyce, Ernestine, Middie, Sharon, and Gladys; best friends, Brenda Morrison, and Shirlene Laspy; a special niece, Donna Jo Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family friends.