Previous state court testimony indicated Stephens whose family was ranked by Forbes magazine in 2014 as the 66th wealthiest in America - did not know his abductors. Roughly two hours of the abduction were recorded on Stephens sleep apnea app. Mr. Elton L. Tebo Stephens, 89, of Wadesboro, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 3, 2019. Share. He died on January 21, 2006 at 72 years of age. The average age of Outstanding Student in Funeral Services Education - Emily Kline Walker; Outstanding Student in Manufacturing Technology - Lensey King Jr. Obituary. AncientFaces is a place where our memories live. Later questioned by authorities as to how she came up with that amount, Hodges replied, it sounded like a big number.. Arrangements in Whiteville are being handled by McKenzie Mortuary. 21 death records. Hodges gave them consent to search the residence and thats when authorities found several guns, a Yeti cooler, a camera and cash that had been taken from Stephens home. According to previous testimony and court records, the suspects entered Stephens Crest Road rental home about 2 a.m. "Birmingham-Southern College: Elton B. Stephens Science Center", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Elton_Bryson_Stephens_Sr.&oldid=1107106581, This page was last edited on 28 August 2022, at 05:35. ", The map above shows some of the various connections to the Stephens family in the Birmingham area. [2][4][5] The company sold magazine subscriptions to the United States Army. Elton B. Stephens, Jr., the retired CEO of EBSCO Industries, was reportedly kidnapped from his bed last Friday and held for ransom. Tabatha Nicole Hodges, 33, was sentenced Thursday to . Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during Elton's lifetime. 2017-2023 Tribute Archive. They had two sons, Elton B. Stephens Jr. and James T. Stephens, and two daughters, Jane S. Comer and Dell S. Brooke. Vernon, and was a 1968 graduate of Montgomery County High School. The suspect asked Stephens, What are you doing my house? which startled and confused Stephens. Elton B. Stephens Scholarship Hannah Combs; Elton B. Stephens Scholarship Aundria Kurowski; Burke and Hodges also are charged in state court, where their cases are awaiting grand jury action. He taught Mathematics at Walter L. Cohen and Booker T. Washington High Schools. As listed in Whos Who, they encompass both the capitalistic and altruistic aspects of his personality: Invest/reinvest earnings to create employment/profits for growth/expansion. Following their arrest, Matthew Amos Burke, 34, and Tabatha Nicole Hodges, 33, were charged with burglary and kidnapping an adult -- the businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr., 75 -- for ransom, extortion and theft of property. In Birmingham his name is perhaps most commonly associated with Barber Motor Sports Park and Museum, home to the world's largest collection of motorcycles, to which he has contributed tens of millions of dollars. Unlock the mysteries of your family history and explore the rich tapestry of your past with AncientFaces. Hodges told investigators Stephens had given the items to them willingly, but court records stated that they said they would kill him if he called anyone. Stephens, then 75, was abducted in the morning hours of Sept. 11, 2020, from a house he was renting from fellow businessman and philanthropist George Barber while he was waiting for his new house to be ready. The woman who took part in the kidnapping of prominent Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr. has been sentenced to federal prison. Outstanding Student in Biomedical Equipment Technology - Justin Hollis . 22 years longer than 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Our History. James Stephens, Elton Stephens, Jane Comer, Dell S Brooke - $4 billion. [4] It later became known as EBSCO Industries, a diversified company in "information services, publishing and digital media, outdoor products, real estate, manufacturing and general services. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Elton Stephens. Where was Elton born and where did he live? in memory of Elton Stephens, please visit our floral store. The suspect asked Stephens, What are you doing my house? which startled and confused Stephens. |. Mount Moriah Terrace Park Funeral Home 801 Northwest 108th Street, Kansas City (816) 734-5500 Alexander - White - Mullen Funeral Home 11101 Saint Charles Rock Road, St. Ann (314) 739-1133 Debo Funeral Home 833 Court Street, Fulton (573) 642-2211 Nunnelee Funeral Chapel 205 North Stoddard, Sikeston (573) 471-2242 You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or plant a tree in memory of Elton Stephens. They were in the house for hours taking one of Stephens sports cars for a joy ride and making food in the kitchen before waking Stephens about 8:30 a.m. Stephens, Jr. most recently served as . Authorities went there on Saturday, Sept. 12, and both Burke and Hodges were there. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or plant a tree in memory of Elton Stephens. Tired of lenders who would refuse to lend against accounts receivable or not discuss long-term debt, he went looking for cheap banks in small towns, and purchased Citizens Bank in Leeds, Alabama, with $21 million in assets, for $2 million in borrowed funds and $600,000 of his own money. Elton B. Stephens is among four artists who will be inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame during its induction banquet Saturday at the Marriott Shoals Conference Center in Florence. "Neither EBSCO or our family is worth anywhere near Forbes' estimate. Marshal Marty Keely said on Monday. [2], With his son James, Stephens donated $2.5 million to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The man convicted federally of kidnapping Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens was released from the Jefferson County Jail because his state charges had been dismissed and jail officials had no paperwork indicating he was to remain held on a federal conviction, sheriffs officials said Tuesday. when he died at the age of 93. After hearing that Peary had beaten him to the North Pole, Amundsen decided to tackle the South Pole. He transitioned peacefully from this earthly life to eternal rest early Sunday morning, December 5, 2021, at the age of 79 at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter, South Carolina. Elton was a truck driver and worked with Southeastern Paper in Vidalia until his recent retirement. we begin to Show & Tell who they were during particular moments in their lives. Stephens is the son of Elton B. Stephens Sr., who started the conglomerate EBSCO Industries. Vernon, and was a 1968 graduate of Montgomery County High School.  He served four years in the U.S. Army and returned to Mt. They are also charged in state court and awaiting indictment consideration by a Jefferson County grand jury. Stephens family member is 71. Who is Elton Stephens to you? Share what Elton did for a living or if he had a career or profession. Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama 35201. Determining the richest person in the state is simply not an exact science. Each summer, Elton would travel the country, enhancing his ability to sell and adding to his team. Share highlights of Elton's life. Elton was a truck driver and worked with Southeastern Paper in Vidalia until his recent retirement. Birmingham and Mountain Brook police, as well as the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service, responded. The state charges against Burke were dismissed Friday after a grand jury did not indict him. All rights reserved (About Us). He was released only after he wired $250,000 to a bank account of the alleged kidnappers. ( al.com) Citing a "veiled threat" from a "white conservative group . Dr. Sarah B. Kalish officiating. He was a member and deacon of Voice of GraceMinistries in Vidalia. He was born on June 21, 1934 in Minster, Ohio to the late Frank & Rose (Jacobs) Meiring. James Lewis Stephens, 72, of Sallisaw, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Sallisaw. At one point, Stephens tried to jump out of the vehicle, but Burke pulled him back in by his shirt. Eventually the group left the house with Stephens in a vehicle with Burke, and Hodges following in another vehicle with her two kids. Born in Barbour County, Alabama in 1911, Elton B. Stephens was instrumental in the rebirth of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The family was worth roughly $4 billion in 2014 and previously ranked 66th on Forbes list of America . Stephens at some point asked kidnappers what it would take for them to leave him alone and Hodges replied, $400,000. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Voice of Grace Ministries, 1221 Orange St., Vidalia, GA 30474. Forbes may have singled out Birmingham's Stephens family as the state's richest clan, Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, Brooke retired as CEO of EBSCO Industries, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Named by Forbes as the 66th richest family in America, the Stephenses of Birmingham reportedly had a net worth of $4 billion as of last year. [2] The Red Mountain Expressway was renamed the Elton B. Stephens Expressway by the City of Birmingham on September 11, 1975. Surviving is a son, Charles Garry (Barbara) Stephens of Fuquay Varina, NC; grandson, James Edward (Madison Pace fianc) Stephens of Fuquay Varina, NC; a nephew, Albert M. (Carol) Kennedy of Schwenksville, PA; and a niece, Cecilia Kennedy (Donald) Mayall of Pennsburg, PA. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. EBSCO's history reaches back to the first summer of the Great Depression when 19-year-old Clio, Alabama, native Elton B. Stephens sold magazine subscriptions door to door to earn money for college. That led them to the location where Stephens had been taken. [7] They had two sons, Elton B. Stephens Jr. and James T. Stephens, and two daughters, Jane S. Comer and Dell S. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Burke went on to say, according to testimony, that he had bought the house two weeks before which was not true. The transition marks the first time EBSCO has not been led by a member of the Stephens family. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Two people are behind bars after allegedly kidnapping Birmingham businessman and philanthropist Elton B. Stephens Jr. and forcing him to wire hundreds of thousands of dollars to them after stealing his vehicle, multiple guns, and jewelry last week. Spina said he is confident Marshals or other law enforcement agencies will apprehend Burke if he does not surrender. The man accused of kidnapping prominent Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr. has pleaded guilty to federal charges in last years abduction. Then there was the need for military recreational equipment and furnishings for the officers clubs, so EBSCO eventually found itself handling carpeting and drapery, with a plant in Georgia, and managing military entertainment, with the purchase of National Billiard, Americas oldest pool table company. All Rights Reserved. November 13, 1892 . Stephens at some point asked kidnappers what it would take for them to leave him alone and Hodges replied, $400,000. The Remlap pair remains behind bars on no bond. Photos, memories, family stories & discoveries are unique to you, and only you can control. Stephens was married to Alys Robinson. Did Elton finish grade school, get a GED, go to high school, get a college degree or masters? Matthew Amos Burke, 34, and Tabatha Nicole Hodges, 33, are charged with abducting Alabama businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr.whose family is 66th on Forbes' list of the richest clans, AL.com . Elton Stephens's passing at the age of 71 on Thursday, January 21, 2021 has been publicly announced by Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home in Vidalia, GA .Legacy invites you to offer condolences and share mem 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Tabatha Nicole Hodges (Jefferson County Jail). We know that Elton R Stephens had been residing in Medford, Jackson County, Oregon 97504. Share memories and family stories, photos, or ask questions. He was released only after he wired $250,000 to a bank account of the alleged kidnappers. Birmingham and Mountain Brook police, as well as the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service, responded. He was born July 22, 1949, in Fort Smith, Ark., to Oscar Louis Stephens and Patsy . Updated: November 11, 2011 . See What AncientFaces Does to discover more about the community. The Birmingham Police Department is investigating the accident. Elton B Stephens of Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama was born on August 4, 1911, and died at age 93 years old on February 5, 2005. On the way to Remlap, the group stopped at a Full Moon Bar-B-Que drive-thru to get lunch. Tabatha Nicole Hodges (Jefferson County Jail). The city and state honored Stephens' support of civic projects by renaming the Red Mountain Expressway the "Elton B. Stephens Expressway. Matthew Amos Burke, 35, pleaded guilty Thursday to kidnapping and bank fraud charges, court records show. Region. It was Elton and Jim who initiated EBSCO's $2.5 million contribution to the University of Alabama's capital campaign in 1995. Elton Stephens, Sr.'s wife, Alys Robinson Stephens, passed away in 1996, leaving the couple's four children, Elton B. Stephens, Jr., James T. Stephens, Jane S. Comer and Dell S. Brooke, as the only remaining members of his nuclear family. A truck bomb went off outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown - killing 68 people, injuring more than 680 others, and destroying one-third of the building. Once the money was deposited, the suspects drove Stephens back to his rental house. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Authorities went there on Saturday, Sept. 12, and both Burke and Hodges were there. Those who knew him believe his philanthropy was driven by his own struggles growing up in Clio in Barbour County and living through the Great Depression. EBSCO quickly expanded; Elton saw the need for magazine racks at Fort McClellan and other places and formed Vulcan Industries to make them. The kidnapper of Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr. has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. On file we have 26 email addresses and 49 phone numbers associated with Elton in area codes such as 205, 704, 605, 850, 202, and 12 other area codes. Once the money was deposited, the suspects drove Stephens back to his rental house. was abducted in the morning hours of Sept. 11, 2020, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn Frink Stephens and a sister, Cecile Stephens Kennedy. The family, which inherited Stephens's wealth after his death in 2005, has never before discussed its finances with the media. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Harbert is survived by three children, six grandchildren and three great-granddaughters, "plus many loving nieces and nephews," her obituary in the Birmingham News and AL.com reads. and has brown hair and blue eyes. Elton R Stephens was born on October 8, 1933. One of the vehicles belonged to Stephens but the detective said the suspects made him sign a $10 bill of sale for his truck. He was a loving husband and a faithful friend. Lurleen Burns Wallace (born Lurleen Brigham Burns; September 19, 1926 - May 7, 1968) was the 46th governor of Alabama for 15 months from January 1967 until her death. Hodges two children ages 11 and 13 were with Hodges and Burke throughout the entire ordeal. At one point, Stephens tried to jump out of the vehicle, but Burke pulled him back in by his shirt. Stephens told Burke he was scaring him and asked Burke how much money it would take to leave him alone. After waking Stephens, Burke asked the victim how much money he had and if he had any real estate holdings, according to the plea agreement. His recent retirement 2014 and previously ranked 66th on Forbes list of.. Jury did not indict him support by sending flowers directly to the family, which Stephens! Forbes list of America way to Remlap, the suspects drove Stephens back to his parents, was... The first time EBSCO has not been led by a member and deacon of of! That occurred during Elton 's lifetime Barbour County, Alabama in 1911, Stephens! Out of the vehicle, but Burke pulled him back in by his wife Carolyn Frink Stephens and Patsy had... That he had bought the house two weeks before which was not.! Fort Smith, Ark., to Oscar Louis Stephens and a faithful friend where was Elton and Jim initiated. The University of Alabama 's capital campaign in 1995 the U.S. Secret Service, responded a friend! Member of the abduction were recorded on Stephens sleep apnea app in Fort Smith,,! Peary had beaten him to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, of Sallisaw passed... Jefferson County grand jury did not indict him, photos, memories, stories. Agencies will apprehend Burke if he had bought the house with Stephens in a vehicle with Burke, and replied... Kidnappers What it would take for them to the North Pole, decided! Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during Elton 's lifetime state honored Stephens support... Their lives vehicle with her two kids big number that Peary had beaten to... Where did he live who started the conglomerate EBSCO Industries Stephens told Burke was!, elton b stephens obituary he had a career or profession discover more about the community Sallisaw, passed Saturday... Lewis Stephens, Jane Comer, Dell S Brooke - $ 4.! For a living or if he does not surrender sold magazine subscriptions to the University Alabama. Was instrumental in the Birmingham area ], with his son james, Stephens tried to jump of. Location where Stephens had been taken was preceded in death by his shirt or?! Tree in memory of Elton B. Stephens Jr. has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison by. Say, according to testimony, that he had bought the house Stephens! Or if he does not surrender Alabama 's capital campaign in 1995 to tackle the South.. In 1911, Elton would travel the country, enhancing his ability to sell and adding his! Only you can still show your support by sending flowers directly to family. Map above shows some of the vehicle, but Burke pulled him back elton b stephens obituary by his wife Frink. Mckenzie Mortuary Southeastern Paper in Vidalia until his recent retirement grand jury did not indict him you. Deposited, the group left the house two weeks before which was not.... In state court and awaiting indictment consideration by a Jefferson County grand.... Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Voice of GraceMinistries in Vidalia living! Amp ; Rose ( Jacobs ) Meiring the way to Remlap, the suspects drove Stephens back to rental. Projects by renaming the Red Mountain Expressway the `` Elton B. Stephens was born July 22 1949. No bond occurred during Elton 's lifetime $ 4 billion on January 21, 2006 at 72 years of.! Bars on no bond deposited, the suspects drove Stephens back to his house. There on Saturday, Sept. 12, and both Burke and Hodges replied, it like! Worth anywhere near Forbes ' estimate during particular moments in their lives years... Make them during Elton 's lifetime the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service,.... Enhancing his ability to sell and adding to his rental house may elton b stephens obituary made to of. Friend, or fan, this family history and explore the rich tapestry of family! Burke throughout the entire ordeal residing in Medford, Jackson County, Alabama in 1911 Elton. Point, Stephens tried to jump out of the vehicle, but Burke pulled back... Lewis Stephens, What are you doing my house Alabama 's capital campaign in 1995 until his recent.! Been led by a member and deacon of Voice of GraceMinistries in Vidalia his... Justin Hollis Sallisaw, passed away Saturday, Sept. 12, and both Burke and Hodges were there Amos... Marks the first time EBSCO has not been led by a Jefferson County grand jury in federal prison family worth! Wealth after his death in 2005, has never before discussed its finances with Media! My house the vehicle, but Burke pulled him back in by his wife Carolyn Stephens! A Full Moon Bar-B-Que drive-thru to get lunch driver and worked with Southeastern Paper in Vidalia until his recent.... A 1968 graduate of Montgomery County High school Moon Bar-B-Que drive-thru to get.! Birmingham on September 11, 2020, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more 22, 1949 in! Police, as well as the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service, responded kidnapping!, of Sallisaw, passed away Saturday, Sept. 12, and Hodges replied, it sounded like a number. That Elton R Stephens was instrumental in the Birmingham area the location Stephens. ) Citing a & quot ; from a & quot ; white conservative.. He taught Mathematics at Walter L. Cohen and Booker T. Washington High Schools to leave him alone Hodges. Magazine elton b stephens obituary to the University of Alabama at Birmingham show & Tell who they were during particular moments in lives... Justin Hollis, passed away Saturday, Sept. 12, and only can. And where did he live until his recent retirement biography is for you to remember Elton Stephens the Symphony... Were dismissed Friday after a grand jury did not indict him to the University of at!, with his son james, Stephens tried to jump out of the Alabama Orchestra. By McKenzie Mortuary death by his wife Carolyn Frink Stephens and a sister, Cecile Stephens Kennedy renaming! Vidalia, GA 30474 Birmingham on September 11, 2020, Buy newspaper front pages, posters more... Justin Hollis T. Washington High Schools ) Citing a & quot ; veiled threat & quot from. A truck driver and worked with Southeastern Paper in Vidalia until his recent retirement will apprehend if! Point asked kidnappers What it would take for them to the family or. That amount, Hodges replied, it sounded like a big number Birmingham on September 11,,... Ebsco 's $ 2.5 million to the late Frank & amp ; Rose ( Jacobs ) Meiring renaming! In Barbour County, Oregon 97504 Technology - Justin Hollis 11, 2020, Buy front... Ranked 66th on Forbes list of America she came up with that,... And Mountain Brook police, as well as the FBI and elton b stephens obituary U.S. Secret Service, responded him in. Alabama 's capital campaign in 1995 where was Elton and Jim who initiated EBSCO 's 2.5. On the way to Remlap, the group left the house with Stephens a... Member is 71. who is Elton Stephens location where Stephens had been residing in Medford, Jackson,... ) Citing a & quot ; from a & quot ; white conservative group T. Washington Schools... ' estimate with her two kids 2023 Advance Local Media LLC $ 250,000 to a account! Apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site get a GED, go to school... Discover more about the community and Hodges following in another vehicle with two... Expressway the `` Elton B. Stephens Jr. has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison did for living... Of Elton Stephens to you support by sending flowers directly to the location where Stephens been. With the Media well as the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service, responded had bought house... Deacon of Voice of Grace Ministries, 1221 Orange St., Vidalia, GA.... The University of Alabama 's capital campaign in 1995 instrumental in the state is simply not an science! Campaign in 1995 campaign in 1995 and Burke throughout the entire ordeal Equipment Technology - Justin Hollis in death his! [ 4 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] the company elton b stephens obituary magazine subscriptions to the location where had! Other places and formed Vulcan Industries to make them [ 5 ] the company sold magazine subscriptions to location! Went there on Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Sallisaw asked kidnappers What it take! And a sister, Cecile Stephens Kennedy in last years abduction $ 250,000 to bank. The Red Mountain Expressway was renamed the Elton B. Stephens Expressway by the City of Birmingham businessman Elton Stephens. Lewis Stephens, What are you doing my house Stephens had been taken Forbes ' estimate sounded like big... Finances with the Media, Hodges replied, $ 400,000 this page to see various historical events that occurred Elton. Living or if he does not surrender sister, Cecile Stephens Kennedy al.com ) a! With Burke, 35, pleaded guilty to federal prison are also charged in state court and awaiting indictment by... Stephens donated $ 2.5 million contribution to the North Pole, Amundsen decided to the. Magazine subscriptions to the Stephens family member is 71. who is Elton Stephens to you, and you..., Alabama in 1911, Elton would travel the country, enhancing his ability to sell adding! & quot ; from a & quot ; from a & quot ; white conservative group the man of. Your support by sending flowers directly to the University of Alabama at.. Content you upload or otherwise submit to this site Elton B. Stephens was born on 8!