Sharlene Kinser Stephens

Sharlene Kinser Stephens, 90, of Albany, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 4, 1935, in Ellijay, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Nancy Fendley Kinser and Durward M. Kinser. Sharlene pursued her passion for education with dedication, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Berry College in 1957 and a Master of Arts degree in Education from Appalachian State University in 1960. She began her distinguished teaching career in Rome, Georgia, before relocating to Albany in 1961, where she devoted 25 years to shaping the minds of countless students. Among her notable professional achievements, Sharlene served as President of Alpha Delta Kappa, the International Organization for Women Educators. She was recognized in the 1992 edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers. A devout Christian who came to Christ early in life, Sharlene was an active member of First Methodist Church in Albany for nearly 60 years. She was a cherished member of the Elnora Hawk Sunday School Class and, following her retirement, volunteered in various roles to support her church community. Even as dementia affected her later years, erasing memories of those closest to her, Sharlene's unwavering faith in the Lord remained a constant source of strength and inspiration. Known for her thoughtful and sincere nature, Sharlene loved all people, especially children, and was renowned for sending handwritten notes of gratitude and support. She cherished her family deeply, taking great pride in her two daughters and two granddaughters. In her leisure time, she enjoyed traveling and tending to her beautiful flowers. Sharlene was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Terrence James Kinser and Jerry Lamar Kinser. She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Stephens and Susan Stephens, both of Albany, Georgia; her granddaughters, Laura McCann of Rockville, Maryland, and Emily McCann of Arlington, Virginia; her sisters, Gwendolyn Baldwin of Albany, Georgia, and Clara Wood of Ellijay, Georgia; her sister-in-law, Ann Kinser of Anderson, South Carolina; as well as several nieces, a nephew, and many dear friends. Visitation is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Walden Chapel of First Methodist Church, Albany, Georgia. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m., with burial immediately afterward at Floral Memory Gardens. Arrangements are under the care of Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Home. In place of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to First Methodist Church, Albany, Georgia. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Viva Assisted Living Facility in Albany, Georgia, and to Georgia Hospice for the care provided to Sharlene in her final months. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at First Methodist Church for their unwavering love and support for our mother.

Sharlene Kinser Stephens

June 9, 1935 - October 11, 2025