Stephens, Clark Honored As County’s Outstanding Citizens

The 2009 Van Zandt County Man and Woman of the Year should be familiar to anyone in local economic development circles in recent years.

Tuesday morning in the Van Zandt County Courtroom, Jim Stephens and Lettie Clark were honored by the county commissioners’ court with a plaque presentation and reception.

Along with the county honors, Stephens and Clark also were presented with commemorations from United States Rep. Jeb Hensarling.

"I want to thank the Lord for being with me all these years," Stephens said to a standing-room-only crowd in the courtroom.

"I am glad to have my family with me today," he added. Alluding to a statement by Clark just moments before, Stephens said, "It has been a good life and, like Lettie said, I don’t intend to stop."

Clark thanked her family, including her husband, father, son and daughter-in-law who were all attending the presentation.

"As anyone who does it will tell you, no one can do volunteer work without their family’s support," she said. "I want to give thanks for my family allowing me to do the things I do."

Stephens is the current city manager in Wills Point. Before that, he spent seven years with the city of Canton, first as the Canton Economic Development Corporation director and Main Street manager.

He went on to be named director of Community and Administrative Services in 2004. He became city manager in Wills Point in 2008. Prior to his time in Van Zandt County, Stephens spent 40 years with Perry Brothers Inc. in Lufkin.

He is a native of Grand Saline and graduated from Grand Saline High School in 1954.

Stephens has been recognized for his work previously. Canton Main Street was named Organization of the Year by the Canton Chamber of Commerce in 2002.

The following year, Stephens was named East Texas Economic Developer of the Year for small cities at the East Texas Economic Development district meeting in Tyler.

Stephens is heavily involved in promoting Van Zandt County at various functions and events, is involved in the Educate Van Zandt County program and is a member of the Canton Lions Club.

Both Stephens and Clark are involved in the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial Plaza project and help organize "Welcome Home Soldier" events to honor returning active soldiers.

After a long career with Texas Instruments, Clark moved to Van Zandt County with her husband, Jack, and quickly became known for her volunteer work.

According to her nomination letter by the Van Zandt County Outstanding Citizens Committee, Clark is known for "her desire to serve in any capacity that will benefit her community and her ability to get things done."

She is employed part-time by the Wills Point Economic Development Commission. She spent eight years as president of the Wills Point Chamber of Commerce and has served on the Terrell State Hospital Board, Cozby-Germany Hospital Board, Wills Point Economic Development Commission Board, Pilot Club, Rolling Oaks Volunteer Fire Department and many other projects.

Clark organized the "Adopt A County Road" program for Van Zandt County and the Lifeline program, which provides physically challenged or elderly citizens with medical alert devices to contact first responders if they cannot access their telephone.

Clark also coordinates biannual bus tours to Austin for Van Zandt County Day at the State Capitol.

Stephens and Clark were introduced and presented their commemorative plaques by Van Zandt County Judge Rhita Koches.

"Both are not only very, very worthwhile recipients but both of them I claim as very close friends," Koches said.

The special presentation from Phillip Smith, representing Congressman Hensarling, was especially touching for Stephens, who is Smith’s great uncle.

Laurie O’Neal represented Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s office at the ceremony.

"These are two people who exemplify the spirit of Texas," O’Neal said.

The annual selections for the awards are made by the Van Zandt County Outstanding Citizens Committee, composed of previous winners of the award.