Glenda Sue (Pannell) Stephens

Glenda was born to Joseph Boyd Pannell and Marion Sue (Terry) Pannell in Birmingham, Alabama on December 7, 1952.

Being born into a military family she was fortunate to experience many diverse cultures including Germany, El Paso, and eventually settled in Abilene where she met the love of her life, Joseph Stephens. Joe and Glenda met at a motorcycle rally in Brady, TX. Joe’s fierce love and protection for Glenda created an instant connection. They were married in Abilene, TX on March 6, 1976. They remained happily married for 45 years until her passing on November 16, 2021. They moved to Merkel in 1980 and raised their children close to family and friends. Glenda lived an active life but the love of her life was her students whom she often lovingly referred to as her “kids”. She began her teaching career at the Merkel Church of Christ as a Tuesday/Thursday School Teacher. She babysat multiple children and eventually decided to go back to school to earn her teaching degree. Glenda earned her Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary studies from ACU at the age of 36. She taught at Colorado City and Jones Elementary but spent most of her career at Ortiz Elementary School. Ortiz was her home and the teachers she taught with were family. Joe and Glenda attended the Merkel Church of Christ and were very involved in the bus ministry. She was truly blessed by so many close friends at the church. She eventually returned to teach Tues/Thurs school after her retirement in May, 2021.

Glenda joined her family in heaven. They included her parents, Joe and Sue Pannell and brother-in-law, Don Whisenhunt.

Glenda is survived by so many people who were affected by her laugh, her humor and her contagious joy. They will miss her occasional eye rolls when coworkers or family rearranged her desk or when Joe told a ridiculous joke. She will be so dearly missed.

Survivors include her husband: Joe Stephens; children: Jim Woodard (Sandi) of Washington State, Robbie Stephens (Becca) of Sweetwater, Beki Kofoed (Josh) of Merkel; grandkids: Stephanie and Sara Woodard, Jeremiah Weston (Keila) Stephens, Madi (Blake) Lachance, Emma Stephens (Brady), Wyatt Kofoed, and Karli Kofoed (D’Alan), Brayden, Camden and Avery Martin; great-grands: Roslyn Lachance, Kinsley and Kaiser Bilbrey, and Caleb Stephens.

Glenda adored her children and family but no one held a more special place in her heart than her grand babies and recently great-grandchildren. She will live on in the memories shared by so many she left behind that dearly loved her.

A Celebration of Glenda's Life will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, November 20, 2021 at the Merkel Church of Christ.

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