Ernestine Geraldine Stephens passed away peacefully on October 13, 2022, after a brief illness.  Duchess, as she was affectionately called by close friends and family, was born January 6, 1955, in Joliet, Illinois. She accepted Christ at an early age, and moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana at 10 years old.
 

Duchess graduated from Wayne High School in 1973. She married Frederick Stephens Sr. in June of 1976 and had two children- a set of twins - Frederick Jr. and Angel.

Duchess worked for 30 years at the State Developmental Center. After it's closing, she went back to school and traveled until she began working as a grandmother at UBC Childcare. She was a long-time devout member of Union Baptist Church, where she not only helped maintain the church, but served as a member of the Nurses Guild, on the Usher Board, the Culinary Ministry and unofficial UBC Photographer. 

Ernestine was predeceased by her parents, Ernest Jr. and Buelah Cox, her twin brother, Ernest III, Saundra, Delois, Diana, Aileen.

Ernestine is survived by Frederick Sr., Frederick Jr. (Melissa) and Angel. Grandchildren-J'Shawn (Sierra), Andre' (Amelia), Ayriana, Javier, and Jalisco. Great Grandchildren-Summer, Andre' Jr. and Ja'Mere.  Siblings-Debra, Danny, Robert, James, Janice, and Jane. Best Friend-Eric Adams, Lifelong Friend-Mariah Holmes, and a host of other dear family and friends. 

Acknowledgements

The family of Ernestine Stephens wishes to thank everyone for their love and words of comfort and encouragement at this time. Special thanks to Rev. Lake and the Union Baptist Church family for all you have done and continued to do.  May God bless you and keep you all.