Jacquelyn Stephens

Jacquelyn Stephens, age 69, of Naples, FL, passed away on October 3, 2025. She was born on January 16, 1956 in Miami, FL to Carol and Jack Slone. She married Vince Weir in 1977, and they had one daughter, Jennifer Lyn Watson, nee Weir. They later divorced but remained friends until his death. After having been together since February 1989, Jacquelyn married Ken Stephens on September 18, 1998. Together and with Jennifer, they enjoyed skiing, traveling, swimming, and spending time with family and friends. Their time together was filled with love, laughter, and companionship. Jacquelyn, whose mother was an accomplished athlete and physical education teacher, was a natural athlete. In her youth, she was a nationally ranked swimmer, setting records in Florida that were unbroken for decades. She played tennis competitively for Miami Dade Community College. She also bowled well and played coed softball as an adult. Jacquelyn was a devoted mother to Jenn, proud grandmother of Brooklyn, and loyal friend. She cherished time spent with Ken, her daughter and granddaughter, her sisters, and her friends. She found joy in family gatherings and good conversation. Carter, the third “pound puppy” she and Ken adopted, brought her great joy, as did her care of her aquarium to calm her nerves and appreciate the beauty of her fish, crabs, and even her snails. She spent much time endeavoring to make her community in Key Royal condominium better by providing suggestions and critiques to the governing body there. She was also an enthusiastic yet frugal shopper who delighted in finding bargains. Jacquelyn loved traveling with her sister, Lesley, throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Morocco, Egypt, Laos, Thailand, and the “floating villages” in Vietnam were her favorite destinations. She loved interacting with people in their native surroundings and learning about their unique cultures. People were quickly drawn to her in virtually every locale because of her friendliness and compassion. Jacquelyn worked in the dental and veterinary fields for more than 30 years. Before retiring, she spent several years as a committed and loving caregiver for elderly people in the Naples area, ensuring their loved ones were not just well cared for but pampered. Many of her co-workers and clients over the years became dear friends, truly an extension of her family. She had a gift for learning a great deal about people in minutes and made fast friends almost immediately. Jacquelyn is survived by her devoted husband, Ken Stephens; her loving daughter, Jennifer Watson (Rob); and her beloved granddaughter, Brooklyn Watson. She is also survived by her sisters, Lesley Slone of Clarkston, Georgia; Deborah Slone Hylemon of Naples, Florida; and Carmen Slone-Lorenzana (Roberto) of San Salvador, El Salvador, and her brother, Carlos “Ricky” Slone (Sonia) of Frederick, Maryland. Jacquelyn’s legacy of love, laughter, compassion, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Memorial donations may be directed to the animal rescue organization of your choosing, as she was a great lover of all animals and always tried to assist any animal in need.

Jacquelyn Stephens

January 16, 1956 - October 3, 2025