Josiah Stephenson Jr.

January 29, 1941- November 18, 2025 

Josiah Stephenson Jr. of Farmington, Missouri entered eternal rest on November 18, 2025, at his residence at the age of 84. He was born in Plattsburg , Missouri, to the late Josiah Stephenson Sr. and Leona (Mitchell) Stephenson. 

Josiah earned his Doctorate in Divinity from Covington Theological Seminary and faithfully served as a minister for numerous years. He devoted much of his life to sharing his faith and supporting others in their spiritual walk. In his spare time, he enjoyed collecting model cars and had a deep appreciation for genealogy, often spending hours searching and preserving family history. 

In 1958, Joe moved with his good friend, David Snyder to Eminence, Missouri. For the next 10 years, Joe made Eminence his home leaving to go back to Smithville, Missouri from time to time. He always made his way back to Eminence. He lived with David's family, Chad and Noma Pope and little sis, Vinita. Joe helped care for David, who was afflicted with Muscular Dystrophy. Joe was the brother to David and Vinita, that they both loved. He and David made many friends during that time. He remembered those friends with fondness. It was in Eminence that Joe met his wife, Jane Phillips. She was the High School English teacher. Joe and Jane lived in several different places over their life, but they always kept in touch with their Eminence Family. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Jane (Phillips) Stephenson and his siblings, Bessie Wilson, Leona Kennedy, Charles Stephenson, Donald Stephenson, and Bobby Stephenson. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Vernon Stephenson, (the late Louise), Russell Stephenson, Oakley Stephenson, and William Stephenson; as well as his brothers-in-law, Gordon Wilson and Alan Kennedy. 

Per Joe's wishes, no formal services were held. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Blessed Hope Baptist Church, 1710 Doubet Rd, Farmington, MO 63640