EVANGELISST STEPHANA HIGH
Stephana Venita Franklin was born Feb. 8, 1967, to Ocie Lee Dance Sr. and Ruby Faye Franklin. She was one of 23 siblings. She went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 30, 2020.
Stephana was born and reared in Mexia and graduated from Mexia High School as a member of the Class of 1985. Stephana also attended and graduated from Baylor University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education.
Stephana met and married Wallace High Sr. in 1988; they shared parenting of two sons, Wallace High Jr. and Chadrick High Sr. Stephana and Wallace Sr. were blessed to help raise two nieces and one nephew, Chantel, La Shuan and Cedric Franklin Jr. Stephana possessed a special love for the game of basketball as well as dancing.
In 1987, Stephana gave her life to Christ and professed being saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost under the pastorage of Supt. Charles Beard. In 1988, Sister High continued to serve under Elder C.D. and Gwendolyn Washington. For six years she served at New Birth Christian Center in Butler under the pastoral care of Bishop Tyree Gatson Sr. and Elder Daniel Gatson. After accepting her calling, she was ordained in the ministry by Bishop Tyree Gatson Sr. She returned to Greater Haynes Memorial Church of God in Christ and remained there until she was called from labor to reward. Stephana also served as a member of Prisoners of Christ Ministry and Spiritual Awakening Prison Ministry.
Stephana served as an educator in the Mexia, Coolidge and Wortham ISDs, Navarro Junior College, and McLennan Community College for a total of 24 years. Stephana also worked for Cen-Tex ARC in Corsicana, where she loved serving those with special needs. She most recently returned to her passion of serving the youth through the Communities in Schools Program at Mexia High School. Stephana served as an on-air personality with KNES Texas 99.1 FM where she was affectionately known by many as Lady DJ. In 2013 she was nominated for the Gospel Stellar Award for announcer and radio station of the year.
Stephana served as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years. She served as Grand Patron of the O.E.S. Board and Deputy Marshall of O.E.S. Regions 3, 6 and 9 of East Texas. She shared a special bond with her “sistars.”
Stephana was preceded in death by her parents, Ocie Lee Dance Sr. and Ruby Faye Franklin; sister, Shaquitha; and brothers Billie Wayne, Tracy and Kendrick Sr.
Stephana leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Wallace Jr. (Melinda) and Chadrick Sr. (Talicia); eight grandchildren Atiyana, Hunter, Haylee, Hope, Mariyah, Chadrick II, Harper and Auri; nine sisters, Y’Vette (Andre), Demetria, Sandra (Victor), Valerie Jane, Sherry Elaine, Clara Bell, Margarete, Charolette and Renee; nine brothers, Patrick Sr. (Darlene), Cedric Sr. (Alisha), Willie Charles (Sheila), Tommie (Debra), Michael, Anthony, Ocie Lee Jr. (Mildred), Paul Sr. and Jimmie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you donate or contribute those funds towards a scholarship fund/account that is being established in Stephana’s honor. Contributions can be made through:
Cash App - $SVHlegacylives
Venmo - @SVH-legacylives
PayPal – paypal.me/SVHlegacylives
