Della Bernice Stephens, age 55, of Cass County, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 26, 1969, in Houston, Texas, to Charles Rose and Bernice Colson.

Known to her family as “Tinker” in her younger years, Della grew into a woman of immense strength, compassion, and heart. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend whose warmth touched every life she encountered.

Della dedicated more than 35 years of her life to serving others as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher and Dispatch Supervisor. Her career began in San Jacinto County and continued through Humble and Conroe, before joining the Cass County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division in 2011, where she served faithfully until her passing. Throughout her long and devoted career, she was the calm and steady voice in moments of crisis — the guiding light in someone’s darkest hour. Her voice carried reassurance, courage, and compassion to countless callers, and to her dispatch family, she was more than a co-worker; she was a mentor, a leader, and a source of unwavering support.

As a supervisor, Della led with patience and heart. She taught by example, lifted others up, and inspired those around her to serve with the same dedication and kindness she embodied. Her legacy lives on in every dispatcher she trained, every life she touched, and every call that was met with the strength she instilled in her team. Though her headset is silent, her influence continues to echo through every shift and every life she helped shape.

Beyond her career, Della’s greatest joy was her family. She was a proud and loving mother and grandmother who poured her heart into her children and grandchildren. Whether it was a shared meal, a long talk, or simply sitting together in quiet comfort, Della made every moment meaningful. Her love was the steady rhythm that held her family together.

Della also had a tender heart for animals and shared a special bond with her beloved dog, Deacon, who was always by her side. Her compassion for strays and her instinct to nurture extended far beyond people — she had a gift for making every creature feel safe and loved.

Those who knew Della will remember her laughter, her strength, and the peace she brought into every room. Her legacy of love, service, and compassion will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Della is survived by her mother, Bernice Colson; her sons, Edwin Stephens and wife Amber, Kenneth Stephens and wife Jessica Kull, and Kevin Stephens; her sister, Joy Rose; her brother, Charles Rose and wife Melaine; and her beloved grandchildren, Tyler Foxworth, Kami Foxworth, Destiny Stephens, and Emma Stephens. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and members of her extended dispatch family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Rose, and her grandparents, Jessie Hamilton, Bernice Pike, Charlie Rose, and Della Scogins.

Della’s life was one of service, love, and quiet strength — a life that made this world gentler, safer, and more connected. Her family and friends will carry her light forward, honoring her not with sorrow, but with gratitude for every moment shared.