Aimie McCarty Stephens

Aimie Louise McCarty Stephens, 91, of Laurel was born July 12, 1931 at home in what she referred to as the “cotton mill village,” the West End of Laurel, MS to parents Ruben McCarty and Lottie Jane Clingon McCarty. She died January 2, 2023 at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, MS after a sudden setback. She lived during a span of years that probably saw more changes in technology than any previous generation had ever seen. She grew up during the difficult years of WWII when necessities were rationed. In those days, most households had real “ice boxes” instead of refrigerators. She told how there were no trucks available to deliver ice to homes because gasoline and rubber for tires had been rationed. As a youngster, she and her youngest sister, Nell, took their little wagon and hauled ice to residents in their “cotton mill village” neighborhood. During her lifetime, many things changed from being done the hard way to the modern day “push-button” method, as she called it. Experiences during her youth as well as the influence of her older sister, Wilma, taught her hard work and resilience that allowed her to accomplish most anything that she attempted. During her working years, she worked along with her father, Ruben, in the Laurel Cotton Mill, then later at Snow White Laundry, The Little Shop (dress shop), and at Sanderson Farms. She was a very good seamstress and a great cook. She was a jolly person and had a funny way of telling about her experiences that would have everybody laughing. One of her favorite things, even until very recently, was to talk daily with her favorite telephone-and-tell-it friends, Renita and Patsy, to list the day’s events and to discuss new recipes to try out. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and sister. She is survived by two daughters, Nerissa Stephens of Laurel, and Wanda Stephens Johnson (Mike) also of Laurel. She is survived by her brother-in-law Vaster Scott Harper of Laurel, several nieces and nephews, and her spoiled dog, DollyBee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel A. Stephens to whom she was married for 47 ½ years until his death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Ruben and Lottie McCarty, and five siblings: brothers Vertis McCarty, Curtis McCarty (infant), Joseph Daniel McCarty (infant), and sisters Wilma Melvina McCarty Connair and Ruben Nell McCarty Harper. She will be missed by all who knew her. The family is grateful for the care provided by EMServ Ambulance, South Central Regional Medical Center, and St. Dominic’s Hospital. A graveside service will be held at Myrick Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023. Rev. Gerald Henderson and Rickey Hammonds will officiate the service. Memory Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Aimie McCarty Stephens

July 12, 1931 - January 2, 2023