Mary "Betty" Elizabeth Nessour Purgahn Stephenson, 94, of Wilmar, Arkansas, passed away on January 16, 2025, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. Born on April 5, 1930, in Port Arthur, Texas, she lived a life rich with love, faith, and a warm spirit that touched the hearts of many.
Betty dedicated many years of her life to serving her community as a church secretary at Little Flower Catholic Church, where she was a cherished parishioner, a member of the Altar Society, and a devout Christian. Her outgoing personality and willingness to help others made her an integral part of the church family. Betty had a passion for cooking, and she delighted friends and family with her culinary skills.
In addition to her career and community involvement, Betty enjoyed a variety of hobbies that showcased her creativity. From square dancing with Bill to traveling and camping in her RV. Betty also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and embroidering, she found joy in crafting quilts, which she generously made for others.
Betty is survived by her beloved husband of 33 wonderful years, William Stephenson of Wilmar, AR. She also leaves behind her sons, Fritz Purgahn and his wife, Dino of Bridge City, Phillip Purgahn and Paulette Youngblood of Port Acres, and Michael Frederick Purgahn and his wife, Marcella of Mont Belvieu, and stepdaughter, Toni Joyner. Mary was a proud grandmother to Joshua Purgahn, Mary Allyson Duck and her husband Calvin, Monique Duval and her husband James, Micah Purgahn and his wife, Brittaney, and Miranda Gallien and her husband, Thomas, Cashlynn Gillespie, and Chaselynn McBee. She was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren, including Eben Purgahn, Joby Purgahn, Jade Purgahn, Taylor Pena, Zoé Purgahn, Nathan Purgahn, Eric Duck, Kamron Duval, Dusty Purgahn, Cain Purgahn, Mallory Gallien, and Carter Gallien, Layne and Wylie Gillespie, and one great-great-grandchild, Beck Johnson.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Susie and Mitchell Nessour; her stepson, Keith Stephenson, her grandsons, Justin Purgahn and Jason Pena; her brothers, Wilburn Nessour and Mercer Nessour; and her sisters, Mercedes Duncan, Annie Elter, and Gloria Gaskin.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by a Rosary at 11:30 AM, and a Mass at 12:00 PM, all taking place at The Little Flower Catholic Church, located at 6412 Garnet Ave, Port Arthur, TX 77640. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery located at 3700 25th St, Port Arthur, TX 77642.
Mary "Betty" Elizabeth Stephenson will be remembered for her kindness, her vibrant spirit, and her unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and faith. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.