Anna Garnelle (Johns) Stephenson

Mrs. Anna Garnelle Johns Stephenson, age 96, passed away Friday morning, June 24, 2022 at Salem Crossing where she had been a resident.

Anna was born March 10, 1926 to J. Oren and Anna Bell Chastain Johns in Vernon Township, Washington County, Indiana.

On May 30, 1943, she married Leonard Cleo Stephenson in Indianapolis, Indiana. They were married by Anna’s grandfather, Brother J.S. Johns. Cleo and Garnelle were married for 68 years.

Anna was a 1943 graduate of Salem High School, and attended Indiana University. Anna taught special needs children at Hopewell School in Salem, and also worked at West Washington High School.

Anna was an accomplished musician, and was organist for numerous functions, including Westview Christian Church, where she and Cleo were members.

Cleo and Anna were owners of Smedley Farm Supply for many years, and were engaged in farming operations in Vernon Township.

Anna was a charter member of the Friendly Neigbhors Club, Westview Christian Women’s Fellowship, Phi Beta Psi Sorority, and was a past member of the DAR. Anna was also a member of the Colonial Dames Seventeenth Century.

Anna is survived by one son: James K. Stephenson (Debra Schneider) of Seymour, a daughter: Suzanne Abbott (Don Abbott) of Jeffersonville, six grandchildren: Jason, Josh, and Julie Stephenson, Tara Pierson, Stephanie Day, and Carly Abbott, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Anna is also survived by one brother: Kenneth (Duke) Johns (Barbara) of High Point, North Carolina, two sisters-in-law: Barbara Johns of Indianapolis, and Fran Johns of Albany, New York.
Anna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband: Cleo, two sisters: Margaret Chastain, and Magel Walton, and two brothers: James H. Johns, and John Oren Johns.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM Monday at Westview Christian Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Tabor Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-6PM at Weathers Funeral Home, and Monday from 10AM-until time of service at the church.