Christine Stephens

STEPHENS, Christine (Layman) - Early on the morning of her 80th birthday, Christine Stephens passed away in the comfort of her Fenton, MI home, departing this world exactly the way she lived her life: on her own terms, with understated grace and dignity, prioritizing the happiness and comfort of her family ahead of her own. Even a topic as grim as her own mortality was not safe from her brassy sense of humor and her unflinching candor. She approached the challenges of aging and poor health like any other obstacle in her life, with gusto and wit. This bold personality and warmth, which she extended to the whole world, made an immediate impression on anyone lucky enough to spend time with Chris. She effortlessly accumulated friends and admirers everywhere she went, from the checkout line at the grocery store to the buffet line at her grandson's high school graduation. Even casual acquaintances from decades prior would often ask: "How is Chris doing these days? When is she coming for a visit again? It would be great to see her anytime-she's a real joy." Those who were part of her life, regardless of the extent, couldn't help but admire her simple, understated nobility, the compassion she had for every living soul, and her selfless devotion to her family. Because of these rare and remarkable qualities, Chris will be dearly missed by all who knew her, and the world is a slightly dimmer place without the glow of her personality to lighten almost any situation. Her memory will be cherished most of all by her husband of 61 years, Billy Ray Stephens, her children, Karen Corey and Kenneth Stephens, and her grandchildren, Glenn Rockman, Cole (Iulia) Rockman, and Michael Corey. They will not have an opportunity to know her the way the rest of us did, but Chris's great grandchildren, Yulia Christine Rockman and Jace Constantine Rockman, will nonetheless come to know the warmth of their great grandmother's spirit through their family's fond remembrances of their time with her. Chris was preceded in death by her parents John and Angeline (Dombrowski) Layman, and by her brothers, Raymond and Arnold Layman, all of whom she adored. Please join her family and friends in celebrating Chris's life at her memorial service, which will be held on Saturday, February 23rd at Bakers of Milford, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. Inquiries may be sent to CelebrationOfChristineStephens@gmail.com. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.