Joan V. Stephens

Mrs. Joan V. Stephens, age 82 of Griffin, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2015. Joan was born in Griffin, Georgia on July 29, 1932. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Blakely Virden and Leila Powell Virden; husband, Thomas Merrill Stephens. Joan’s interest in flowers began when she was a teenager. Her mother, Mrs. John (Leila) Virden, was quite active in civic and garden club work. Mrs. Virden and others began the beautification of the City Park and the downtown medians; this continued for many years. She introduced azaleas and camellias to the Griffin area through the Federated Garden Club. In the spring of 1950, Mrs. Virden and Joan toured Europe and over 25,000 bulbs were purchased and planted in the Virden garden. On many occasions, the garden was used as a fund raiser for the Federated Garden Club, as it was open to the public. Upon graduation from Washington Seminary (now Westminster) in Atlanta, Joan married her high school sweetheart, Tommy Stephens. They have three children and spouses, Craig Stephens and wife, Rhonda of Griffin, Vikki S. Dreyer and Robert Hunt of Macon and Bob Stephens and wife, Angie of McDonough. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Joan and Tommy lived in Jacksonville, Florida for several years and operated three children’s toy and furniture stores for the owner, John Virden, Joan’s father. Joan did the window displays and advertising for all three stores. The stores were sold and the Stephens Family moved back to Griffin. In 1958, Joan and her mother opened Cottage Flower Shop on the corner of South 6th and Poplar Streets. The shop was sold in 1968. In 1969-1979, Joan worked at Town & Country Flower Shop and, later at Artistic Flower Shop and Douglas Flower Shop. She reopened her own shop in Griffin Georgia in February, 1987. She named her shop in honor of her mother Aunt Leila’s Floral’s as she felt this is where she received her inspiration. She is a member of First Baptist Church, past member of the Chamber of Commerce, Griffin B&PW, Ladies Golf Association, Camellia Garden Club, Third Ward P.T.A. and active in the Cub and Boy Scouts. Visitation for Mrs. Stephens will be on Thursday, July 30, 2015 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2015 at 11:00am in the chapel of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Reverend Gene Luke will officiate.

Joan V. Stephens

July 29, 1932 - July 27, 2015