Benjamin F. Stephens

Benjamin Franklin Stephens was born on January 26, 1953 in Okolona, Arkansas.  He was the fifth child born to the union of the late Isaiah and Queen Stephens.

Ben, as he was affectionately known, accepted Christ at an early age, and was a member of Holly Grove Baptist Church in Okolona, AR.

He graduated from Arkadelphia High School class of 1971, and then furthered his education at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR. 

 After college, Ben moved to Buffalo, New York to start his life and there he sold literature. Following time in New York, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he was employed by Georgia Power. While in Georgia, he obtained his real estate sales license and was also an Amway Products distributor there. He eventually returned home to Arkansas, and settled in Little Rock. While living in Little Rock, AR, he was an inventory specialist purchasing supplies for an area bank; he also held a custodian contract there, working evenings in that capacity. 

Ben was an entrepreneur at heart and his dream of business ownership was realized when he opened Beaches Music, a variety store in Gurdon, AR in the early 1990s. Beaches Music started as a video rental store, and eventually expanded into a variety store carrying clothing, movies, music, art, and beauty accessories. Outside of operating his store, Ben loved anything to do with music and also traveling. He especially enjoyed traveling throughout the country to spend time with his family and close friends. He was a man of many talents and set out to accomplish any dream and passion he had. He was a licensed lifeguard, and enjoyed being in the water, hence the nickname “Beaches”. At one point even being a certified scuba diver. 

The soulful spirit of Benjamin Stephens came to a close on November 9, 2020. He was preceded in death by two brothers, John Stephens and Nathaniel Stephens. He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Seyanna Stephens of Little Rock, AR; three brothers: Johnny (Viviana) Stephens of Inglewood, CA, Edward (Helen) Stephens of Florissant, MO; a sister, Florentine (Edward) Beasley of Lansing, MI; Aunts, Fairleen Wilson and Clara Beard of Lansing, MI; several nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.  

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