Bill Stephens

FROM THE BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF PRIMITIVE OR OLD SCHOOL BAPTIST MINISTERS BY DAVID MONTGOMERY AND MARK GREEN:

ELDER WILLIAM (Bill) ELBERT STEPHENS I was born on March 7, 1932, to Elder E. S. and Sister Rhoda Stephens in Russell County, Virginia. My father served the Lord as a Primitive Baptist minister for 69 years before his death. One of my favorite recollections as a small boy was riding on horseback with my Dad for twelve to fifteen miles to attend a church service. On occasion, many Elders would come to visit Dad to discuss scriptures, and I would listen to try to take in what was being discussed. But I was at a loss. For having always believed in the Primitive Baptist religion, I couldn't understand their passions that they exerted when conversing on the Bible. Around the age of ten, as I was walking through the woods alone with my dog, I recall the first time the Almighty God revealed himself to me, telling me that I would someday have to go before his people and preach the word of God. What an immense feeling of fear and an overwhelming amount of love I felt at that moment. These same emotions are with me even today. Martha Ruth Smith and I were united in marriage on July 10, 1954. We have one son and three daughters. I could have searched the world over and never have found a more humble, loyal, or loving companion to share my life with. I so wanted to be part of the Grand Old Church that I was baptized by Elder Leonard Barton and Elder Andrew McGlothlin on December 15, 1968, at Shiloh Church in the Sandlick Association. My dear wife followed me in August of 1971 to become a sister of the church. Our lives opened up to a sweetness and love we had never known before. Suddenly, we looked at things in a whole new "Light." Soon after, I was confronted with the burden I'd been carrying since a small boy in the woods -- to deliver God's message. Bill Stephens served faithfully as Pastor of Old Carroll Church in Mt. Airy, Maryland. He did so with God's help and guidance. Brother Bill also preached among various churches in Floyd County, VA, up through Baltimore and the State of Maryland.

William Stephens Obituary

March 7, 1932 – May 16, 2026

"It wasn't until he moved to Baltimore, Maryland, that he met his "ONE TRUE LOVE". Martha Ruth Smith was to become his wife on July 10, 1954. They would share their lives together for more than 71 years. Sadly, Mom went home to be with the LORD approximately nine months ago on August 31, 2025. Dad being an extrovert and Mom an introvert, GOD's hands touched that union which surely was made in Heaven. He served, with GOD's help, as Pastor of Old Carroll Primitive Baptist Church in Mt. Airy, Maryland, for over 27 years." (Wanda Santiago, daughter.)