Michael Mauney Stephens, 66, passed peacefully away Dec. 31, 2023, at his home with his family by his side after a three-month battle with Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

Michael was born Jan. 9, 1957, in Atlanta, Georgia to Charles Hilton Stephens and Mary Mauney Stephens.

He spent his early years in Charleston, South Carolina and Paducah, Kentucky.

He received his B.S. degree (1979) and Ph.D. degree (1987) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kentucky.

He met his wife Mitzi at the University of Kentucky, and they were married on Nov. 23, 1983.

In 1984 they moved to Laramie, Wyoming where Michael was employed at the University of Wyoming as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering.

In 1990, Michael and Mitzi moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi where he was employed with Waterways Experiment Station (now ERDC) as a Visualization Scientist until the time of his death.

Michael was an extraordinary man who enjoyed many things in life.

He loved literature, music, art, learning, all things mathematical and scientific, traveling to Eric Clapton concerts, his many dogs and supporting his grandson Brandon in all of his athletic pursuits. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Michael is survived by his wife Mitzi Carolyn Stephens, his daughter Stephanie Danielle Gilliam, and his beloved grandson Brandon Michael Gilliam.

He is also survived by his brother David Hilton Stephens (wife Sally) and brother Ivan Ivey Stephens (wife Teresa).

A casual Celebration of Life gathering will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan, 13, at the Mulberry in downtown Vicksburg, 1310 Mulberry Street.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories, have a laugh, raise a glass and celebrate having been a part of Michael’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Vicksburg-Warren Humane Society, 6600 Highway 61 South, Vicksburg, MS, 39180.