Joseph Elmer Stephenson, M.D. - 1917-2009
Joseph Elmer Stephenson, M.D., 91, of Ashland, Ky., died Feb. 12, 2009, in Kings Daughters Medical Center.
He was born Oct. 3, 1917, in Pikeville, Ky., a son of the late Elmer E.D. and Emabel Bennett Stephenson.
He was married to Juanita Jeanice Polly Floyd Stephenson on Dec. 30, 1939, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a brother, James B. Stephenson, and a sister, Ann Stephenson Gillig.
He was a doctor of medicine and University of Louisville graduate in 1942. He was a member of Diplomatic American Board of Surgery; an intern at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, La., 1942-1943; practiced medicine in Elkhorn City, Ky., 1946-1951; resident division graduate medicine at Tulane University Medical School, 1951-1954; fellow in general surgery at Ochsner Foundation Hospital and Clinic, 1951-1954; and senior surgery resident at Allie Kemp Charity Hospital in Independence, La., 1954-1955.
He practiced medicine and specialized in general surgery in Ashland from 1956-1983. He was a member of the American Medical Society, Kentucky Medical Society, Boyd County Medical Society and Ochsner Surgical Society, on staff at Kings Daughters Hospital and Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, was a life member of Kentucky Historical Society and Sigma Chi at the University of Kentucky and a member of Alpha Kappa Kappa and Alpha Omega.
Dr. Stephenson penned two books, What Is Truth and The Kingdom of God.
Surviving are sons Joseph Floyd Stephenson of Boston, Mass., John Wesley Stephenson of Asheboro, N.C., and James Gibbs Rich Stephenson of Ashland; granddaughter Mrs. Chris (Shannon) Ashley Pipkin of Wilmington, N.C.; and great-grandchildren Emily Jordan Pipkin and Chris Junior C.J. Pipkin, both of Wilmington.
He was a beloved husband and father and will be sadly missed.
A private family service will be at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland by Pastor Todd Richardson. Burial will be in Ashland Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel.
There will be no visitation.
Friends may make contributions to the American Heart Association, 333 Guthrie St., Suite 207, Louisville, KY 40202 or a charity of choice.
Condolences may be sent to www.steenfuneralhomes.com.