BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

The matriarch of a popular East Tampa restaurant died after a brief illness. Mrs. Sallie B. Stephens was 85 years old.

Her daughter, Mrs. Jabessa S. (Beth) Major, said her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer about 1½ months ago, and was under the care of Hospice. She also suffered from dementia.

A native of Eufaula, Alabama, Mrs. Stephens was the last of 13 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cass Henry (Willie Lou) Hicks. She attended the public schools of Barbour County, Alabama.

After reaching adulthood, Mrs. Stephens married Rev. John Stephens and the couple moved to Tampa as young adults. They were the parents of 6 sons and 4 daughters.

The couple was married 56 years at the time of Rev. Stephens’ death in 1994.

Mrs. Stephens was the founding First Lady of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens and the First Lady of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, in Bradley, FL for more than 20 years. Her husband served as the senior pastor of both churches.

Rev. Stephens opened the doors of Big John’s Alabama Barbeque in 1967. It became a family-owned and operated business located on N. 40th Street, in East Tampa. Mrs. Major said upon his death, her mother became the majority owner of the business.

Mrs. Stephens is survived by 8 children, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 3rd, 11 a.m., at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church.

Mrs. Major said the business will be closed on Saturday and the repast will take place at the restaurant.

Ray Williams Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements