The death took place recently, at the age of 91 years, of Mrs. Elizabeth Emily Stephenson (nee Golden) of Millcroft Nursing Home and late of 10, Derrin Road, Enniskillen.

Known as Emily, she was born in Manorhamilton, the second of nine children to Robert and Catherine Golden.

In 1945 she married Ken Stephenson also from Manorhamilton and together they settled in Co. Fermanagh where they lived the remainder of their lives and where their two daughters, Arline and Ruth, were born.

Emily, on first coming to Fermanagh, worked in Elliott’s of Darling Street but later, when her daughters were grown up and had left home, she resumed work, first in Kent Plastics as the dining room supervisor and then, on retirement, in Hall’s newsagents.

In both capacities she made many friends who, even to the end of her life, she instantly recognised.

Along with her husband Ken, Emily was deeply involved in Christian work.

A faithful, life-long member of the Church of Ireland she had a deep affinity with a number of faith-based organisations such as the Irish Evangelistic Band and the Faith Mission. She was also an enthusiastic supporter of many missionary societies as well as individual missionaries.

The Service of Thanksgiving was conducted by the Very Rev. Kenneth Hall assisted by the Rev. Clements with readings by the Rev. Tom McKinlay (son-in-law) and Emma Birney Cunningham (granddaughter). The organist was Mr. Glenn Moore. In his address her son-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Russell Birney, spoke of her strong personal Christian faith that coloured everything she did.

He spoke of her gifts, particularly that of hospitality, which included providing meals and overnight accommodation in her home for a continuous stream of Christian workers, young people who were working or at school in Enniskillen and also, on occasions, even for hitch-hikers whom Ken and she had given lifts to on the road.

He also spoke of her love for her family and how much they would miss her keen sense of humour.

Mrs. Stephenson is survived by her daughters Arline and Ruth, sons-in law Russell and Tom; grandchildren Emma, Sarah, Jon, Claire, Andrew and Peter; great grandchildren Biba, Oban, Thea, Joshua, Alex, Alfie, Zachary, Toby and Jenna; siblings Ena (Carndonagh), Harry (Derrygonnelly), George (Manorhamilton) and Bertha (Carrick-on-Shannon).

She was predeceased by her husband Ken in 2010.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Austen Stinson, W.T. Morrison, Funeral Directors, Enniskillen.