Mary Alice Stephens, 59, of West Plains, MO, formerly of Ozark County, passed away on September 10, 2021 in West Plains Mo with family by her side.

She was the only daughter of Nettie Sue Hogan and oldest daughter of James Lee Whisnant. She was born March 19, 1962 in Shawnee OK where she spent the first 6 years of her life with her favorite cousin Timmy getting into all types of mischief, even trying to barter one cousin for a cookie. Her family moved to Missouri where she would spend the remainder of her life from stomping through Pine Holler to becoming the beloved smile of many children as she played the role of "Cookie Lady".

She is survived by her three children Johnathan Whisnant, and his two daughters Erika Lynn and Caitlyn Rose, Summer Stephens and Darrell Berry, and their son Kenneth James, Ashley Lawson, and her children Shyanna, Rachel, Jace, Bella; and sister Jeanne Whisnant and family and many aunts, uncles and cousins and friends that she loved with open arms and widely accepted as family.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents; one brother Jimmy Whisnant; and all of her grandparents. She will be missed by many but never forgotten and we will forever carry on as she would say we are FOREVER STRONG.

The family will honor Mary Alice with a Memorial motorcycle ride on Saturday, October 2, 2021 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Twin Bridges and ending with a celebration of life at 1:30 p.m. at Patrick Bridge on H Hwy.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.