Lisa R. (Jones) Stephens, 55, of rural Knoxville, Illinois, died at 12:49 a.m. on Feb. 19, 2026, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois, surrounded by her family.
She was born Dec. 16, 1970, in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of David and Audrey “Kay” (Vancil) Jones. In her early years she attended ROWVA, before attending and graduating from Galesburg High School in 1989. She married Shawn L. Stephens on Nov. 22, 1988, in Burlington, Iowa.
Surviving is her husband, Shawn Stephens of Knoxville, Illinois; daughter Amber Stephens of Galesburg, Illinois; son David (Kayla) Stephens of Abingdon, Illinois; grandchildren Kenneth, Kennedy, and Kennan Stephens, Austin Qualls, and Nicole Crawford; brothers Lee Olson of Galesburg, Illinois, and Shannon (Jamie) Jones of Oneida, Illinois; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, David Jones and Audrey “Kay” Brunning; and one brother, Marcus Jones.
Lisa worked as a baker, cook, manager, and chef for many years in the Knox County area. In her free time, she enjoyed hunting for mushrooms, kayaking, crafting, and repurposing furniture. She had a big heart and was very giving and considered many to be family, being known as “Aunt Lisa.”
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, with a visitation one hour prior at 10:30 a.m. at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois, with Rev. Jim Epperson officiating. Memorials may be made to Gift of Hope. Online condolences or expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhomes.com.
