EMPORIA — Mr. Joe G. Stephens, 83, formerly of Franklin, passed away on Feb. 14, 2016, in Emporia Manor, Emporia.

The funeral will be conducted on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 1 p.m. in New Mt Zion Baptist Church, Franklin. Burial will follow at Southview Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Elvin Vaughan Funeral Home, Franklin.