KITTS HILL — “J. R.” James Earl Stevens Jr. 47, of Kitts Hill passed away Thursday May 12, 2011, in Franklin Furnace. The Ironton native was born Aug. 2, 1963, the son of the late James Earl Stevens Sr. and Elizabeth Jean “Betty” Stapleton Stevens. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Samples Stevens.

Mr. Stevens was a 1982 graduate of Rock Hill Schools and was a steelworker for the Dayton Malleable and Ironton Iron. He was also of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a niece, Carrie Jenkins.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, J.D. and Nicole Stevens of Kitts Hill; a grandson, T.J. Stevens of Kitts Hill; six sisters and four brothers-in-law, Debra and Vince Sheridan of Ironton, Jamie and Doug Kerns of Ironton, Karen Stevens of Ironton, Marilyn and Matt Matney of Ironton, Carolyn Brown of Kitts Hill, and Rhoda and Mark Roach of Kitts Hill; a brother and sister-in-law, Barry and Angela Stevens of Ironton; a sister-in-law, Patty Jenkins and her husband L.J of Hanging Rock; a brother-in-law, Mike Samples and his wife Karen of Golden Meadows, La.; a special thanks to Ron Stevens, Bob Stevens and Delbert Mollett; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Phillips Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Roach officiating. Burial will follow in Lawrence Furnace Cemetery. Friends may call from 12 p.m. until the time of service. The Stevens family is extending a invitation for a luncheon after the services on Wednesday at Etna Missionary Baptist Church and everyone is invited if they wish to attend. At the family’s request donations may be made to Phillips Funeral Home, P.O. Box 122, Ironton, OH 45638. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.