Mildred Bernice "Bonnie" (Ivey) Stephens was born on June 9, 1951, the fourth daughter of Henry Harold and Rosia Lee (Miller) Ivey in Cotton Plant, Arkansas.

Mildred attended Cotton Plant Vocational High School in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, graduating in 1969.  At an early age, she was baptized into the fellowship at Taylor Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, under the pastorate of the late Rev. John H. Thompson, where she was a faithful member and active in the Youth Fellowship Group until she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1969.  Mildred remained active in the Class of 1969 and regularly attended annual Cotton Plant Days.

Mildred earned her Phlebotomist Certificate from Tulsa Community College.  She worked for the former Osteopathic Hospital (12 years), now OSU Medical Center, and the American Red Cross (13 years).  While at the latter, Mildred advanced to Coordinator of the Bone Marrow Donor Program and provided bone marrow drives throughout Oklahoma.  After a near-fatal hit and run accident, Mildred was forced to retire early.  After a significant recovery period, she later worked for the Salvation Army, Fitting Back In, and BIOS Corporation.

Mildred's pride and joy were her three sons.  She was a strict disciplinarian but also a loving mother who ensured her children were raised in the church.  She encouraged her children to explore different activities, so they could identify their gifts and talents.  Mildred was her children's number one cheerleader, never missing a sports event, play, or musical performance.  Mildred was a doting grandmother and was affectionally called "Grandma Bonnie" or "Granny B."

In 1976, Mildred and her three sons united with the Antioch Baptist Church, Inc., under the leadership of the late Rev. C. L. Potter, followed by Pastor Emeritus, Rev. M. C. Potter, and currently Pastor Marla Mayberry.  Mildred lived the scripture, James 2:26 - "faith without works is dead."  Mildred served as Assistant Youth Church Coordinator, and she faithfully served in the Women's Ministry as the "decorator extraordinaire."  Mildred was often asked to coordinate the decorations for various events over the last few years, even when her health began to fail.  Mildred also decorated for the annual Thanksgiving Dinner and other events for the "I Am a Promise Program."  She used her gifts in service and glory to God.

Mildred was an exceptional person who hardly ever met a stranger.  With her magnetic smile and personality, those who met her were drawn to her instantaneously.  Always the life of a family gathering, she was known for living life to the fullest.  Mildred regularly hosted family gatherings in her home.

Even though she lived in a senior adult complex, yearly she planted and nourished plants and flowers in front of her home.  Mildred was known for caring and sharing with others. When others blessed her with an abundance of vegetables or anything, she shared her blessings with her sisters, friends, and neighbors.

Mildred united in death with her parents Henry Harold and Rosia Lee (Miller) Ivey, youngest brother, Rodney Ivey, and daughter-in-law, Ida Ivey.

Mildred leaves to cherish her memory her three sons, Reggie Ivey and Tywan Erby of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Pastor Darrick (Janice) Erby of El Dorado, Arkansas; six sisters, Sherrell Floyd of Little Rock, Arkansas, Mable Stovall, Patricia (Adib) Salim, Linda Barnett, Donericia Landrum and Shevon Ivey of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two brothers, Onisha Ivey of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Anthony (Donna) Ivey of Leesburg, Virginia; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; a special aunt, the matriarch of our family, Maxine Harris of Dallas, Texas; three bonus children, Fred Underwood and Shannon Barnett of Dallas, Texas, and Tashonna Thompson of Atlanta, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services for Ms. Mildred Bernice Stephens will be Saturday June 3, 2023 at 11AM at Antioch Baptist Church in Tulsa.

Visitation will be Friday from 2PM until 6PM in the Tulsa Chapel.