Virginia (Ginny) Mae (Hise) Stephenson, age 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Riverside Place in St. Joseph, MO.  She was born on December 22, 1930, in Gentry, MO, to Harry & Vera Hise.

Virginia was a teacher for 40 years at Waterman School, Gentry School and retired from Virginia E. George Elementary School as the librarian and 5th grade teacher. While she was the librarian, Mom started the Gifted Program for the elementary students. She believed that all children should excel in educational learning. After retirement, she received the Missouri Pioneer in Education Award. She also worked for the City of Albany, Court House, and Hy-Vee.

Mom was active in W.M.U. (Women's Missionary Union). For several years Mom was the Northwest Region Consultant for the Missouri Baptist W.M.U. She also attended the G.A. (Girls Auxiliary) camp where she served in different areas. She was active in the W.M.U. Women's group at First Baptist Church, Albany, Mo for many years.  Mom also attended Gentry Baptist Church till she moved to Albany. While attending Gentry, Mom played the piano, led a youth singing group, sang in a choir, and led the G.A. program.

Mom was a firm believer in Missions. She demonstrated this by going to China for 6 weeks to teach English as a second language. She also traveled to Belarus, and Panama. In the United States she traveled to Charlotte N.C. and Minnesota to help pack Samaritan Purse Shoe Boxes and traveled to other states on mission trips.

Mom was a very loving mother. She cared and provided for each of us. Mom loved the Lord Jesus with all her heart and taught us to strive to love Him too. Mom always prayed for her family. She was always willing to help anyone. She will be deeply missed by family, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Harry and Vera Hise; Brother Lloyd (Bud) Hise; Brother – in – law Austin Jay.

She is survived by one sister Betty Jay of Kirksville, MO: her three children, David (Rhonda) Stephenson of Worth, MO. Mary Ann (Dean) Allen of Kansas City, MO. and Dale (Debbie) Stephenson of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Seven grandchildren: Lynnette, Brant, Daniel Stephenson, Jonathan and Adam Allen, Lyndsey and Danielle Stephenson and 11 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service: 10:00 AM Friday, June 14 at the First Baptist Church, Albany. Burial in the New Friendship Cemetery, Gentry, MO. The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00 Thursday at the church. Memorial Contributions: Elementary Gifted Program (TAG) in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402. Online Condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com