Laura Lee Stephenson Dearman, age 78, of Monticello passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2017. She was born July 27, 1939, in Monticello, AR, a daughter of the late Raymond Earl Stephenson, Sr. and Frances Raoul Stephenson. Growing up in Monticello, she was a graduate of Monticello High School and attended Arkansas A & M College where she was member of Phi Sigma Chi sorority and 1957 Homecoming Queen which was a title she held in common with her mother. While at A & M she met her husband Charles Fred Dearman, Sr. Charlie played football and worked part time at Stephenson Funeral Home with her father, a firm that was founded in 1928, by her grandfather Edward Lee Stephenson. They were united in marriage December 22, 1957, at her parent's home. After a year in Dallas, TX, they moved back to Monticello into a funeral home apartment. She took over the office from her father and was the only secretary the business had until years later when she trained someone for the job. Laura Lee was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Monticello, a former officer of Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home, Stephenson-Dearman Burial Association, a member of U.D.C and D.A.R.
Surviving are two sons Charles Fred "Chuck" Dearman, Jr. and spouse Cindy of Monticello, AR, and David Earl Dearman of Little Rock, AR. Three grandchildren, Haley Diane Dearman of New Orleans, LA; Charles F. "Chad" Dearman, III, of Little Rock, AR and Alexandra Nicole Dearman of Nashville, TN. Two brothers Raymond Earl "Ray" Stephenson, Jr. of Monticello, AR and Robert Raoul Stephenson of Olive Branch, MS. One sister Susan Stephenson Smith of Little Rock, AR. One niece Ashley Vestal and two nephews Bobby Stephenson and Brian Smith. In addition to her husband, a granddaughter, Savannah Ashley Dearman preceded her in death.
Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 8, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Monticello with Rev. Dennis Spence and Rev. Buddy Lemons officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service in the Family Life Center at First United Methodist Church. A private family burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Monticello. Memorials are preferred to First United Methodist Church, 317 South Main St., Monticello, AR 71655.
Condolences(37)
Sharon Parker Hayden
Springfield, MO Saturday, October 21, 2017 Condolences to the family cuz for you loss...Sorry for missing the services I just found out about y'alls loss....May the Lord embrace y'all and give you the strength to get through this. May prayers and thoughts are with y'all. .love y'all..LeeAllison Hayes Cain
Bryant, AR Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Sorry to learn of Mrs. Laura Lee's passing. Just learned of Mr. Charles Fred's also. They were both kind people. With vibrant personalities. Both showedmany families compassion at the most difficult time in there lives. They'll never be forgotten because of that. With my deepest sympathies. -LeeAllison Hayes Cain, past employee of Town & Country Florist & Traditions
Andy & Terrie Briant
Monticello, AR Monday, October 9, 2017 Chuck and the entire Stephenson-Dearman: Deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of this sweet lady. God bless and comfort you all.Denise Adams
, AR Sunday, October 8, 2017 Kenny and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. You have our deepest condolences. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.Denise and Kenny Adams
Phyllis and Mike Shockley
Conroe, TX Sunday, October 8, 2017 We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Laura Lee. She was a beautiful and wonderful person. May God comfort you in your mourning. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Carol Hicks
Monticello, AR Sunday, October 8, 2017 With deepest sympathy and praying for the family comfort in recognizing that God knows best, and He love and care for you.John and Sarah Martin
Monticello, AR Saturday, October 7, 2017 Our sincerest condolences go out to this sweet family who has been through so much recently. Laura Lee was always kind, friendly and considerate to me. She fought a long battle bravely. It is hard when both your parents are gone. My heart goes out to you all with prayer.You lost them so close together. May God give you peace in the coming days.
Cindy Jordan Isch
, AR Saturday, October 7, 2017 LauraLee was a such a lovely lady in every sense of the word. I always adored seeing her beautiful cheerful smile and it was truly a pleasure to be in her company. LauraLee will be so greatly missed, but she will forevermore live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May she now rest in peace and may you all be comforted in God's grace.Michelle Arnn Horn
Monticello, AR Saturday, October 7, 2017 Deepest sympathies and condolences to each of you on the loss of your Mother. Prayers for peace & comfort during this difficult time.Gloria Ryburn
Monticello, AR Saturday, October 7, 2017 To the family , so sorry for the loss of your mom she was a dear sweet Lady Prayers for all of you . Gloria RYBURNKay McClain Worbington
Monticello, AR Saturday, October 7, 2017 Dear Family, You have my sympathy at the loss of your dear loved one. In the last several years Laura Lee and I haven't seen each other often but when we did, we always took time for a good visit talking about our grandchildren! We would also get a few words in about family history as we shared great grandparents on the Stephenson side. You all have my prayers for peace and comfort at this sad time!Dan Dahl
East grand forks, MN Saturday, October 7, 2017 Dave and Chuck, so sorry for the loss of your mother. Met her once while we were students at Dallas Inst. what a grand lady. Prayers are with you.Dan and Jeanette Dahl
Ashley Vestal
Petaluma, CA Friday, October 6, 2017 Much, much love from Ashley and Zoe Grace. I do so wish that I had been able to spend more time with her.Pam White Blount
Monticello, AR Friday, October 6, 2017 Chuck and Family:So sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. I know how it feels to lose both parents so close together. Have comfort that their love was too strong to be apart
linda funderburg
monticello, AR Friday, October 6, 2017 God's blessings on this familyDoug & Beth Langdon
Warren, AR Friday, October 6, 2017 Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you!Jackie and Ilene Rash
Longview, TX Friday, October 6, 2017 So sorry to learn about Laura Lee. We were school mates at MHS.Our deepest condolences and prayers to the family at this difficult time.
Dolly Farmer
Monticello, AR Friday, October 6, 2017 To the entire Stephenson-Dearman family, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort during this time of transition. A wonderful lady has gone home, and all who met her will be less on her departure.Janie-Larry Fuller
Monticello, AR Friday, October 6, 2017 David, Chuck, & FamilySo sorry for your loss, but Heaven’s gain.
We have always been proud your Mother & Family
Attended 1st United Methodist Church with us. Your Mom would sit almost in front row when her grandkids performed in Church activities.
I am especially proud she was my Facebook friend. Among many many other “behind the scene”responsible funeral homes business, She started & MAINTAINED this wonderful condolences sevice register for friends &
relatives.
Laura Lee was a friend to everyone who was fortunate to know her.
Janie & Larry Fuller
Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Friday, October 6, 2017 Chuck, David and all family,Laura Lee was such a precious and beautiful lady and she truly loved you, Chuck and David. I cherish sweet memories of our times together, a great friend and neighbor. You are all in my prayers and I pray God give you strength and peace. It is so hard to loose your dad and mom and especially so close together. We know theyeach are now with God and have no more pain or suffering. Please know I will be there in my heart with you on Sunday.
God's blessings,
Janice
Ronny & Brenda Reed
Monticello, AR Friday, October 6, 2017 Chuck, Brenda & I have you in our hearts as you and your family face this time. Just know we love you, Ronny & BrendaWesley & Debbie Reeves
Wilmar, AR Friday, October 6, 2017 Chuck, Cindy & David,We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our hearts and prayers. Mrs. Laura Lee was such a sweet lady. She will be missed by many. God Bless you all in this difficult time.
Patricia Scavo
Hot Springs, AR Friday, October 6, 2017 So very sorry to hear this. My sincere condolences to Chuck and David and all of the family. May the memories of your parents always bring you comfort......they were special friends and we will all miss them dearly.......Patsy Mc
Dane Hall
Bryant, AR Friday, October 6, 2017 I am very sorry to hear about Mrs. Dearman. She was always so very kind to me. I wish I were able to be there for the service, but I am scheduled to preach in South Louisiana on Sunday. Please be assured that your family is in our prayers, and I will always cherish wonderful memories of Charlie and Laura Lee Dearman.Pat a Scifres Montgomery
Monticello, AR Friday, October 6, 2017 My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Kim and David Hoffman
Roland, AR Friday, October 6, 2017 David, Chuck and Family,We are saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a sweet lady and will be missed by so many. She and your Dad are together again, and I know that brings you comfort. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Ricky and Annette West
Warren, AR Friday, October 6, 2017 Chuck, David and Susan...Ricky and I are so very sorry for the loss of your mother and sister. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you!!!Carole (Johns) Rushing
Woodlawn, AR Thursday, October 5, 2017 To the Dearman family and the family of Stephenson-DearmanFuneral Home: May the good Lord in his infinite wisdom put
his tender, loving arms around each of you to comfort you and
give you strength and peace in the loss of your special Dad (or friend and boss) and Mom in such a short time. Deepest sympathy to each
of you.
Carole Rushing
Larry & Gail Hammil
Star City, AR Thursday, October 5, 2017 Dearman family, We are so sorry for your loss. Didn't know Laura but had know Charlie for almost as far back as can remember. So hard to loose them, and especially so close together. Please know that your family are in our prayers and thoughts. May God bless each of you.Judy Webb Hubbell
Crossett, AR Thursday, October 5, 2017 Susan, Chuck, and David: I am so sorry about Laura Lee. I have lost both my parents, and two of my three siblings, so I know how painful this is. You are in my thoughts and prayers. JudySue Breeding & family
Crossett, AR Thursday, October 5, 2017 My thoughts prayers and condolences are with the Stephenson -Dearman families in your time of loss. May God's presence be felt in your hearts.
Mary D Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Thursday, October 5, 2017 Words can not express my shock when I saw this obituary. To all the family my most sincere sympathy to you. I will keep you in my prayers.linda funderburg
monticello, AR Thursday, October 5, 2017 God's blessing for this familyRuthie Griffin
Monticello, AR Thursday, October 5, 2017 Praying for peace and comfortJim Glennon
Possum Valley, AR Thursday, October 5, 2017 Sorry for your loss.Phe Chandler Shook Parks
Conway, AR Thursday, October 5, 2017 To The Stephenson-Dearman families. My deepest sympathy to all of you during this sad time. It is so hard to lose both parents in such a short time. Know that Charlie and Laura Lee were so well loved. Sincerely, Phe Chandler Shook ParksContessa Boone
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, October 5, 2017 Chuck & David,I’m so very sorry for your loss. My childhood memories are full of yours Mom and Dad, along with both of you. May you find comfort knowing your Mom a Dad are together again and there’s no pain or suffering. I’ll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Contessa and sons