Shirley Stephenson

Shirley Yvonne Stephenson, 86, of Sonoma CA passed away Feb 11th, 2022, in her home with her loved ones by her side.

Shirley was born to parents George Gordon Haver & Monetha Sierra Haver on April 23rd, 1935, in Oklahoma. She had 4 siblings all who resided in Northern California. They traveled from Oklahoma to CA in 1940 due to the dust bowl creating a hardship on their family, they finally settled in Sonoma. After many years of hard work in many jobs including owning a restaurant, Mare Island, General Contracting and working for the State Hospital. Their life prospered. 

Shirley graduated from Sonoma Valley High school and went on to work for Napa State Hospital until she retired in 1991 when she met the love of her life Floyd Bryce (Steve) Stephenson.  Steve & Shirley married in 1990 and traveled to faraway places together and later enjoyed road trips throughout the United States visiting family. Our family loved seeing the two of them together and we would always say “they are a perfect example of love for the world to see”.

Shirley loved sewing, knitting, crossword puzzles, antiquing, playing words with friends, and watching her hummingbirds outside her window, which is how she earned the name Grandma Hummingbird.

Shirley was more than a mother to her 4 children and grandchildren; she was our friend and our confidant.  She was our “go to” person with anything on our mind. She always put family first and was our champion. We spent many years BBQing at her home in the summers and playing outdoor games. Shirley loved cooking and baking and Steve became the grill master. Shirley’s grandchildren said she made the best lemon cake. They were always happy when someone dropped by to say hello.  Shirley used to tip everyone from the carpet cleaner to the UPS driver to the gardener, she used to say, “why not, everyone could use a little help”. Shirley & Steve loved watching the A’s baseball team and were big fans, the A’s were called “those A’s” around their home.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Floyd Bryce (Steve) Stephenson, stepdaughter Margaret (Maggie) Stephenson (Askim). Shirley is survived by children Randy Cope, Mark Cope (Lori Seat) Denise Cope (Ken Theobald) Sharna Haver, Brian Stephenson (Jenni Beals) Bruce Stephenson (Susan Rachuy) Shirley is also survived by thirteen grandchildren; Robert, Karly, Chloe, Sam, Della, Daniel, Matt, Zack, Kayla, Casey, Kendall & Jake and seven great grandchildren; Yvonne, James, Wyatt, Brett, Jo-Jo, Collins & Winnie.

Rest in Peace, we love you Mom (Grandma Hummingbird).

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