Barbara Jo Stephens

Obituary
Barbara Jo Stephens was born September 21, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan to Robert Lee and Eva Hope Stephens. Barbara was one of 10 children born to the union. Barbara affectionately known as “BJ” earned her high school diploma from Vista Maria in Detroit, Michigan. She also took college courses at both Wayne County and Henry Ford Community Colleges. Barbara would go on to meet Donatus Nnani Sr. and together they had two children, Angela Nicole and Donatus Haig. Barbara had an infectious smile and a hearty laugh. She loved people and it showed! That magnetic personality caused Barbara to pick up new friends everywhere she went and even a few additional sons and daughters over the years.
Barbara loved having people over and was always poised to entertain them with a good trip back down memory lane. If you ever wanted a good plate of food on any major holiday, Barbara’s house is where you would find it. Much like her heart and kitchen Barbara always opened her doors to everyone and gave generously. The best part about Barbara was she did not have very many rules and the rules she did have were simple. 1. “I will watch your child, spoil them and feed them but if I can’t discipline them, they can’t come over here.” 2. “You can have food and even take home a plate, but you better not mess up my kitchen.” 3. “You can have something to drink as many times as you like but you must use the same cup.” Barbara was so full of personality! There was never a dull moment when she was around. She was the best at holding your attention during a conversation. Always quick to coin phrases that you would catch yourself using such as: “so with that being said…”I have a question, now let me ask you this!”, “I can show you better than I can tell you”, “One thang for certain and two thangs for sho”. “…because at the end of the day” and the one phrase she truly demonstrated, “I’m a soldier I thought I told ya”!
Barbara enjoyed walking. As a matter of fact, she didn’t enjoy just plain old regular walking. She liked to power walk so much so that it was done unintentionally. Just ask any of her nieces or nephews that she babysat, and they will all tell you that keeping up with her was no easy feat! Barbara also LOVED Christmas and as a result she has a pretty extensive collection of ornaments and other decorations. She enjoyed playing board games, taking pictures, listening to jazz music, watching tv while eating popcorn or a black walnut float, spending time by the water or just sitting out in nature, and telling it like it is! Anybody who knows Barbara well knew that before any other pleasures her two children came first. They were her top priority, and everybody knew that you don’t mess with BJ’s kids for REAL! To say that her love for family and friends had no limits is an understatement and that is something we can all attest to.
Barbara’s God given light was ever present in her darkest moments. She knew the source of her strength and faith was in God. Throughout her life, she kept her faith and trust in the Lord to endure the trials and tribulations that she faced. Instead of complaining, she continued to thank the Lord for his goodness up until the end of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Eva Stephens and her brother Bobby Stephens. She is survived by her daughter Angela, son Donatus Jr., and their father Donatus Sr., eight siblings, and a host of nieces, nephews and close friends.