Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com Donyell was born April 1, 1964 to the late Mr. John Wesley and Ernestine Benson in Columbus, Georgia. Very sadly, there was never a meet and greet between mother and daughter as her mother entered into eternal rest just two hours after giving birth to Donyell. The care of Donyell and her siblings were entrusted to the late Mr. Arthur Lee and Lucille Pitts of Nelson, Georgia at just four days old. There was never a shortage of love and guidance from her grandparents and the surrounding community. Donyell's beauty and personality began to shine rapidly at an early age. She always showed respect and love to whomever she would encounter. Donyell attended Pickens High School in Jasper, Georgia. She played multiple sports in school, excelling in basketball, softball, and track and field. She scored over 1,800 points during her basketball career, was selected homecoming queen, and voted most athletic in 1982. She was inducted into the high school hall of fame for basketball while at Pickens High. She stated that was an honor that she would forever cherish. She earned a basketball scholarship at Gainesville Community College, where she was chosen as All-American. While at Gainesville Community College, she earned her Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education. She found her passion in life when she became a Head Start teacher in the Tate community. She never encountered a child that she didn't love, and they loved her just as much in return. She often stated that she wished that she could just take all of them home with her. Donyell was a teacher for over twenty-five years until her health began to decline. She met and married the love of her life, Cecil Stephens. To this union was born a son, Harrison Stephens. Harrison became the joy of her life. Donyell became like a mama bear that would go to the end of the earth to protect her cub. She raised him with unconditional love, and always taught him to be respectful and mindful of others. Harrison is a true testament to great parenting. Donyell wanted nothing more than to see all of Harrison's dreams come true. Harrison achieved his life goal of serving in the military. He is currently stationed at a port in Virginia serving in the United States Navy. Donyell loved family gatherings, watching people come together to enjoy food, laugh, and have a good time. She was infamous for many dishes, but her squash casserole was a crowd favorite. Donyell also loved to read and could knock out a book in less than a week. She owned over five hundred books. Donyell had tremendous faith in God. During her illness, she would always say that God knew best. Her faith never wavered. As she battled through her illness, Cecil, her sister, Sylvia, along with other family members, ensured she made it to all of her medical appointments. God saw that the waters were getting too rough and the load too hard to bear. God calmed the waters and whispered to Donyell, in only a voice that she could hear, and ordered her to her Heavenly Home. There she was welcomed with open arms by her mother and reunited with her grandparents and others loved ones who have departed this earthly life. Harrison, please know that you will always be surrounded by people that love you! Those left to forever cherish her memory include: the joy of her life, son, Harrison Stephens; former spouse, Cecil Stephens; brother, Jerome (Sharon) Benson of Tate, GA; sister, Sylvia Benson Keith of Holly Springs, GA; brother, Ricky (Karen) Benson of Jasper, GA; brother, Gary (Rhonda) Benson of Holly Springs, GA; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Leland Jones officiating. Interment will follow in the Norton Cemetery off of Cove Road, Jasper, GA 30143. The family will be receiving friends at Roper Funeral Home, Friday, November 22, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.