Jolene Stephenson

Jolene’s warm, joyful light left MotherShip Earth on Thursday to raise her stillborn son Parker in yonder realms. Her run commenced September 1947 and lasted 28 days shy of 72 years. She is gone, but threads of love connect with family stronger than any nano-carbon fiber.  Jolene’s reservoir of love flows freely to family and friends with ample supply in reserve for Elvis, Duane "The Rock" Johnson, and Alex Boye.

Google searching Jolene Cooper Stephenson yields little, yet finding Jolene requires but a cursory glance in any fun index—Jolene’s name always populates the first line under “Queen of Fun.” Or checking Heaven’s registry, Jolene is the girl dressed in bright, loud colors surrounded by a sea of white.

Jolene is survived by hubby #1 & #2 Sherm, the worst pole-vaulter at the university, yet he still ultimately won traction with the cutest Aggiette on USU’s entire squad.  Together they perfected their own “run & jump” routine which honestly deserved a patent.  She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and also enjoyed teaching tap dance.  She is survived by children Tiffany (Alejandro) Silva, Allen (Tara) Stephenson, Kellie (Joshua) Jeppson, Thomas (Hope) Stephenson, Wyatt Stephenson, Dallas (Jaclyn) Stephenson, plus 12.5 grandchildren and two best-friend sisters, Ethel and Cindy. Siblings Gay and John preceded her. If you knew Jolene well, you’ve seen the pictures of kids and grandkids with colorful stories such as Mama Jo out-riding them all on Samurai this very summer at Lagoon.  At seventy-one Jolene out-spun, out-twirled and out-lasted all grandchildren—It was not even close!

Jolene served her family in every way, writing her father John Cooper’s history, plus mom Ilene Baker Cooper’s too.  She orchestrated Mother’s Weekend for 36 years, and one-on-one dates with grandchildren, who watched in awe as Jolene’s fun house morphed from Halloween decorations to Thanksgiving to Christmas to Easter, with Elvis in-between. She worked tirelessly serving her God and her church with heavy lifting assignments of RS Pres, Gospel Doctrine teacher and such.  Federated Women’s Club service began decades ago with Mama Jo’s mother Ilene leading the way.  She enjoyed movies at the park with grandchildren plus tag-alongs, entertainment at Sandy Amphitheater sometimes four nights a week, and Hale Theater performances with Tiffany by her side.  Jolene was going and doing until late at night. If Hubby wished to hold her hand, it was accomplished at church or movie or such… her hands were always moving, always doing.  If you wish, drop by to see her collection of barbell weights with the 25-pounders idle just the past few years, while lighter bells continued to fly until the end.  She watched every game, every recital, every performance of both children and grandchildren alike.  She was there, she was present, her love NEVER in doubt.

During Jolene’s youth, church men concluded girls lacked stamina to dribble a basketball more than thrice, so Jolene mastered the algorithm of covering the entire court length with three down strokes.

We are pleased to invite you to Jolene's "Celebration of Life."  It will take place on August 29th, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Sandy 2nd Ward, located at 586 East 8400 South.  Immediately afterwards, there will be a party with family, friends, food, and fun at Jolene's home located at 283 Eaglebrook Drive.  There will be no viewing.   JoJo always told us that she "didn't want a funeral, I want a party!"  In honor of Jolene, please feel free to wear fun-colored dresses, shirts, ties, and other accessories to G'Mama Jo, Dahling #3, or Joyologist Jo's 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration!

We could go on, but what can be said more?  Best now to enjoy some pictures and clips on the Tribute Wall.  You can also cut and paste this link into your browser to enjoy a few videos of G'Mama Jo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY-KpQJQimE&list=PLyZMMApLgAHWni1wHkVHSCTk7u_8ZeeCk