Mrs. Mae Stephens

Remembering a life so beautifully lived. Mae Desta Stephens was
born in Jasper, Mississippi March 21, 1946, to Elmira & George
McCullum, who both preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her husband, Marshall Eddie
Stephens; eight of her siblings: Rebecca, Earlene, Sophronia,
Jearley, Annie, Nice Stean, Ramsey, Henry; and son, Victor
Mccullum.
Ma Mae was a beautiful, well-respected young woman. Growing
up, she attended Blue Ridge Elementary down South. Her fondest
memory she often refl ected upon in her later years was being one
of 13 children sitting down enjoying breakfast as a family. At the
young age of 13 she chose to move north to experience the city life
and seek more opportunity in Chicago!
She found work at places like Schwinn, Echo, and a Precious
Diamond Co., later retiring from Williams Electronic. As a
steward of her home, Ma Mae accomplished her goal to build a
family; she had her one and only child, Victor, who did no wrong
in her eyes. She married Marshall “Eddie” Stephens in 1984.
After initiating into a sacred union, Ma Mae dedicated her life,
heart, and spirit to being of matriarchal service to her family.
She led by example as a wife of loyalty and honor. Even after her
beloved was laid to rest, she continued their powerful legacy
rooted in familial trust!

Ma Mae was a nurturing force that uplifted everyone by way of
soul nourishing! She was an exquisite chefess who intuitively
knew exactly what you needed. She loved her sweets: caramel
cake, lemon pie and all things soul food, anything you could
think of; her cooking mixed with great laughter had a way of
healing the soul! One thing Ma Mae would never fail to miss was
a great time with her family!
She deeply loved and was like a big sister to her nieces. She spoke
with her beloved niece Frances every day up until her last, and
revered and highly valued her grandsons for their protective
and loving nature. All of her great-great-grandchildren were
blessed to be loved in the safe space she created for them that
they all knew as their second home! Her guidance, wisdom, and
attentive care was truly HEAVEN SENT!
Mae made her Transition on February 15, 2026. Mae leaves
to cherish her memory: three grandsons, Demetrius Baynes,
Derrick Baynes (Markeita) and Victor McCullum, Jr.; six
great-granddaughters, Kayla, Angela Vou, Kaishaun, Komari,
Deija, Rose, and Dream; two great-grandsons, Derrick Jr. and
Demetrius Jr.; one great-great-granddaughter, Maylani Vou;
and one great-great-grandson, Dekai Baynes; two sisters, Emma
McCullum and Vassie Gore; one brother, L.R. McCullum; along
with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends!

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