Carol Ruth (Almand) Stephenson

Carol Ruth Almand Stephenson was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 16, 1950 as the first child of Arthur and Mary Almand. She entered into heaven on April 27, 2026. Having glorified and enjoyed God on earth, she now glorifies and enjoys Him forever in heaven.

Carol graduated from Georgia Southern University in 1972 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and an interest in working for a department store. However, she met her future husband two years before graduation while both were working as counselors at Camp Westminster in Conyers, GA, her church’s summer camp. Lane and Carol were married in August 1972 with Lane entering Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, and Carol working with a local mortgage company. Following Lane’s graduation from seminary, she served faithfully and devotedly with her husband in his pastorates in Tennessee and Mississippi.

Carol and Lane lived in East Tennessee for twenty years and later in Mississippi before moving to Gainesville in December 2015. Carol enjoyed her crafts of sewing, needlework, painting, basket weaving, and other creative hobbies, making blankets and stockings for all her grandchildren and giving away an untold number of hand-made items. While her relationship with God was foremost in her life, she delighted above all else in being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She taught countless children about her Savior in Sunday School and enjoyed playing and teaching the piano. When once asked by Lane what she would like on her grave marker, she simply said, “She led little ones to Jesus.”

Carol is survived by her husband of fifty-three years; her children, Robby (Kimberley), of Herndon, VA; David (Kelly) of Chattanooga, TN; Jason (Gina) of Gainesville, GA; Tim (Kim) of Houston, TX; Ashley (Jordan) of Knoxville, TN; her fourteen grandchildren; her beloved sister, Janet (George) of Atlanta, GA, and numerous other family members whom she loved greatly.

All who knew and loved Carol are welcomed to the funeral service on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, GA, where she was a devoted member. The family will receive visitors starting at 12:30, with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. A private graveside ceremony for extended family will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family invites anyone wishing to honor Carol to provide gifts to Choices Pregnancy Care Center in Gainesville, where she volunteered for many years.

While grieving her sudden passing, her family rejoices in her “wonderful, merciful Savior” who will “hold us fast” and in the God whose grace is always sufficient.

Those wishing to leave condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory are in charge of the arrangements.

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