RIDGELAND — Phyllis Jean Bradley Stephenson Paul, 75, passed away at her home on May 15, 2009, after a lengthy illness. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2009, from the Madison United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 4 until 6 p.m. Sunday at Wright and Ferguson in Ridgeland and at 1 p.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be at the Jessamine Cemetery.

She was the daughter of the late Dewey and Mabel Bradley of Ashley, Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim Paul; her beloved son, Johnny Stephenson; her brother, Donald Bradley; two sisters, Marcella Burkey and Charlotte May; and her stepdaughter, Roberta Martin. 

She is survived by her beloved brother, Robert Bradley and his wife, Jane, of Pekin, Ill., beloved children, Jim Stephenson of Denver, Colo., Patti Beard and her husband, Barry, of Vicksburg, Carole Stephenson of Denver, stepdaughter, Julie Smith and her husband, Bob, of Richmond, Va.; her beloved grandchildren, Ashley Garner of Brandon, Jamie Stephenson and Bradley Stephenson of Denver, Jamie Smith of Richmond, James Paul Greenlow of Concord, N.H., Kellie Ray and her husband, Jody, of Vicksburg and Brad Beard and his wife, Jenny, of Clinton; three wonderful great-grandchildren, many special nieces and nephews, and many dear family and friends to include Keith Renfroe and his wife, Nancy, of Vicksburg, Daniel Renfroe of Vicksburg, who was also her dear godson, Leslie Renfroe of Oklahoma City, Okla., Clara Derrington, Margie Strong and Hubert Simmons of Ridgeland.

Phyllis grew up in Ashley, Ill., where she graduated from Ashley High School. Phyllis worked for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad for many years. 

She was an active member of the Madison United Methodist Church and participated in many church activities. Phyllis was a loving mother and grandmother and very special friend to many people. She enjoyed her family, friends, church and many travel experiences.

Memorials may be made to the Madison United Methodist Church.