Joseph E. Stephens

Fifty Seven years seems so short a life, but we must remember that God’s timing is perfect. In reflecting on Joe’s life since I've known him: Joe was kind, helpful and smart. He was interested in history and had a good memory. It was not unusual to receive a call from Joe telling me he had found a Union County piece he thought I’d like to have, and he would send it. I first knew Joe through his mother, the late Nadine Heatherly Stephens, a local historian. Nadine surely instilled in her son the need to preserve our history. Joe belonged to several historical organizations and attended the Union County Cemetery Association. He was most knowledgeable about Baker’s Forge Cemetery where his body will be interred. He also assisted and helped care for Mossy Springs and other cemeteries in the Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area in Union County as well as Potters’ Field in Knoxville–perhaps others that I don’t know about.

Joe had recently become a writer for HistoricUnionCounty.com. The staff and writers send our sincere condolences to Joe’s family at this sad time. Joe will be sorely missed.