Miriam A. Stephens

Miriam Ardelle Stephens, 94, of Reading, returned home to God on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Born on January 12, 1930 at the Reading Hospital to Thomas Peter Carnobas originally of Thessalonica, Greece and Minerva Isabella Hepler, of Reading, PA. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Charles Harrison Carnobas and husband, Roland Stephens. 

Graduating from Reading High in 1947, Miriam was the first person to graduate from Eastern Nazarene College with a B.A. in secondary education majoring in French and Spanish and minoring in History. Her post-graduate studies included a Master’s in education from Temple University, teacher’s certification from Clarion State Teachers College, and elementary education certification from Kutztown State. Her extensive education enabled her to teach 12 grades. 

Miriam’s first full-time job was at Shippenville High School where she taught Spanish, Problems of Democracy, Pennsylvania History, and girls Physical Education. She went on to teach French and Spanish at West York High, fifth Grade across the Reading School District and night school for adults. One of her most memorable life-changing moments happened at school, when the principal asked if she could take his place chaperoning the school dance. She was to help the Math teacher, Roland Stephens. The magical meeting led to their wedding on May 28, 1964. 

While Miriam is best known as a teacher in the Reading School District, she was an active member of the Nazarene Church community throughout her life, accomplished pianist and organist, and avid world traveler. She began attending church at nine months old and was 12 years old when Jesus entered her heart. Miriam served her church as a pianist, teacher, Vacation Bible School Director, CST teacher and director, Jr. Missionary & choir director, Missionary Study Chairperson, and NWMS President. 

She took great pride in playing the piano and singing hymns-gifts that she shared with her friends up until her final days.

In her spare time, Miriam visited 55 countries on 5 continents and all 50 U.S States. Many of her trips included visits to Nazarene Mission Stations. Her generous heart helped many missionary families through sponsorship programs all over the world. Her faith led her throughout life and, in her words, “I am very grateful to God for Christian parents who set a perfect example of what it means to serve and live for God. Ever since I was old enough to really understand scripture, Proverbs 3:5 & 6 have been my guide and Joshua, a true source of encouragement.” 

Since retiring in 1989 after 38 years of teaching, Miriam looked forward to quality time with her “Lunch Bunch” friends, Cousin Timothy Hepler of Wyomissing, and especially, her former students, who graciously visited with her and reminisced of years gone by. 

Known for her many fancy hats and sharp-witted humor, Miriam will be missed by all those she held dear- Pastor Reedy of Bethel Church of the Nazarene, Kutztown, PA; caregivers and staff at Berkshire Commons Assisted Living Facility & Complete Care Rehab Center of Reading, PA. Her caregivers and companions, Mayra Sepulveda and Maria Kohalmi; and of course, her beloved rescue cat, Simon. 

Funeral Service will be held at Bean Funeral Homes 1605 Rockland Street Reading, PA 19604 on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 10:00am. Reverend Dr. Bayse (Bud) Reedy will officiate. Interment to follow at Charles Evans Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Homes 1605 Rockland Street Reading, PA 19604 on Sunday, November 24, 2024 from 5:00pm-7:00pm and on Monday, November 25, 2024 from 9:00am-10:00am. Online condolences may be made to www.beanfuneralhomes.com.