April 20, 1948 ~ September 28, 2025 (age 77)
Stephen Paul “Poppy” Mabe, 77, of Cusseta, Alabama, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, surrounded by his family, a special friend, and the caring hospital staff who comforted him in his final moments.
Born April 20, 1948, Stephen was preceded in death by his loving parents, two sisters, and infant twin children.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 14 years, Mavis Eastridge Mabe; daughters Lacie Mabe, Stephanie Morgan, and Virginia Weaver (David); step-daughter Lisa Cooper (Ken); step-son Mark Brewer (Leslie); fifteen cherished grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, four sister in laws, two brother in laws and multiple nieces and nephews.
A proud veteran, Stephen retired as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army after 21 years of honorable service. He later answered a higher calling as a pastor, sharing the Gospel and ministering to those in need. For four years he served people experiencing addiction and homelessness through the Valley Rescue Mission in Columbus, Georgia.
Known across the region as “the best Santa in Alabama,” Stephen brought joy to countless children and elders, delighting all with his generous spirit and twinkle-eyed smile. At home, he was a master of the honey-do list and the heart of his family, always ready with a helping hand or a kind word.
Stephen was loved by many and will be remembered for his faith, service, and unwavering devotion to family and community.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The National Kidney Foundation in Stephen’s memory.
Funeral services for Stephen will be held on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at 11:00 AM (EDT) at the Johnson Brown-Service Chapel in Valley, Alabama. Interment will follow in Hopewell Methodist Church Cemetery. Pastor Billie Watts will officiate. Stephens’s family will receive friends Friday, October 3rd, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM (EDT) for visitation at the Johnson Brown-Service in Valley, Alabama.
Please visit Stephen’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for his family, to share a memory of Stephen, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.
