Sponsored by Ancestry. She also initially said that the kidnapping was all her idea, not her boyfriends, but later said that was a lie. The woman who took part in the kidnapping of prominent Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr. has been sentenced to federal prison. . Controlled Demolition, Inc. (CDI) of Phoenix, Maryland, USA (acting as Explosives Subcontractor to Main Demolition Contractor, Lindamood Demolition of Irving. Death . Keely on Tuesday, however, said the U.S. Once at the suspects home, Stephens called his banker, a call which was recorded, and asked him to wire $250,000 to Hodges bank account. On the way to Remlap, the group stopped at a Full Moon Bar-B-Que drive-thru to get lunch. That first year, I saved $500 and thats like several thousand today, he remembers. "I can't say enough about what the Stephens family has done and continue to do for this community," she said. Stephens' son, Jim ''J.T.'' Elton B. Stephens Jr. was kidnapped at around 7am on September 11 from a rental home in Birmingham, Alabama after two suspects broke into the man's house while he was asleep Stephens told Burke he was scaring him and asked Burke how much money it would take to leave him alone. He also sold an odd mix of newspapers, suits, sandwiches, and Cloverine Salve, thereby setting a pattern he would follow with EBSCO in the years to come; it would not seem odd to him that a company known for its printing and distribution capacities could also excel in the manufacture of fishing line. In 1928, after graduating from Barbour County High School, Elton set off for Birmingham-Southern College with just $125. At one point, Stephens tried to jump out of the vehicle, but Burke pulled him back in by his shirt. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, 2023 McKenzie Mortuary. Biographies are our place to remember and discover more about the people important to us. Burke was sentenced to 17 years, and Hodges to 12 years, in the federal penitentiary system. As EBSCO grew into a worldwide empire, Elton was very clear about his goals. There is almost certainly more to this story. Outstanding Student in Funeral Services Education - Emily Kline Walker; Outstanding Student in Manufacturing Technology - Lensey King Jr. Photos, memories, family stories & discoveries are unique to you, and only you can control. View Elton L. Tebo Stephens's obituary, send flowers and find service dates or sign the guestbook. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Elton has been found in 13 states including Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Utah. Stephens was married to Alys Robinson. Tired of lenders who would refuse to lend against accounts receivable or not discuss long-term debt, he went looking for cheap banks in small towns, and purchased Citizens Bank in Leeds, Alabama, with $21 million in assets, for $2 million in borrowed funds and $600,000 of his own money. We share yesterday, to build meaningful connections today, and preserve for tomorrow. He was a loving husband and a faithful friend. FUNERAL HOME. The deadliest incident of domestic terrorism ever, Timothy McVeigh, Terry Nichols, and Michael Fortier were convicted of the bombing. BY ANCESTRY.COM. Updated: November 11, 2011 . Williams, 34, was hit at about 2:28 a.m. after exiting her disabled vehicle on the Elton B. Stephens Expressway. The state charges against Burke were dismissed Friday after a grand jury did not indict him. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. Enter Two people are behind bars after prominent Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr. was kidnapped during a home invasion. With headquarters still in Birmingham, EBSCO sells its products throughout the United States and has operations in more than 30 states and almost 20 foreign countries, including Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, France, Greece, Canada, and Turkey. In 1911, in the year that Elton B Stephens was born, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen became the first man to reach the South Pole, along with four fellow Norwegian explorers. He has been involved with the Southern Research Institute, Waste Water Facilities Development Committee, Y.M.C.A., American Council of the Arts, United Arts Fund, Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Methodist Hospitals, American Cancer Society, Alabama Development Office, and most especially the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The transition marks the first time EBSCO has not been led by a member of the Stephens family. when he died at the age of 93. Investigators were able to track down the suspects by obtaining GPS location information that was on Stephens phone. 1892 - 1976. Just coming off another divorce I think. Matthew Amos Burke, 35, was freed from the Jefferson County Jail on Dec. 10, more than a month after pleading guilty to federal charges in the abduction of Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens . Once the money was deposited, the suspects drove Stephens back to his rental house. Each summer, Elton would travel the country, enhancing his ability to sell and adding to his team. Marshals are now searching for Burke after they became aware Monday that Burke was no longer in custody, U.S. Elton R Stephens Elton Stephens (1933 - 2006) Jump to: . Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Elton Stephens. After waking Stephens, Burke asked the victim how much money he had and if he had any real estate holdings, according to the plea agreement. Share memories and family stories, photos, or ask questions. A pair of kidnappers has been arrested after abducting a retired Alabama businessman and forcing him to pay a $250,000 ransom to gain his freedom, AL.com reports.. The Birmingham Police Department is investigating the accident. Looking for Elton Stephens online? Elton China's passing at the age of 79 on Sunday, December 5, 2021 has been publicly announced by Stephens-Maree-Tracy Funeral Home in Walterboro, SC.Legacy invites you to offer condolences and share Elton B. Stephens is among four artists who will be inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame during its induction banquet Saturday at the Marriott Shoals Conference Center in Florence. Updated: November 9, 2011 . Hodges told investigators Stephens had given the items to them willingly, but court records stated that they said they would kill him if he called anyone. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Stephens, then 75, was abducted in the morning hours of Sept. 11, 2020, from a house he was renting from fellow businessman and philanthropist George Barber while he was waiting for his new house to be ready. Stephens at some point asked kidnappers what it would take for them to leave him alone and Hodges replied, $400,000. Authorities went there on Saturday, Sept. 12, and both Burke and Hodges were there. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Summers were spent working for Butterick, selling subscriptions to that once-famous dress pattern makers magazine, and in 1930 Elton and five friends hitchhiked north to Michigan to sell subscriptions door-to-door all day. The most disturbing images were of children - a daycare center was hit by the bomb. What Elton did fall for was a love of business. They met as students at Birmingham-Southern College and graduated together in 1932. Tabatha Nicole Hodges, 33, was sentenced Thursday to . Hodges told investigators Stephens had given the items to them willingly, but court records stated that they said they would kill him if he called anyone. Stephens' father, Elton B. Stephens Sr., was the founder of the Birmingham-based EBSCO Industries, one of the largest privately-held companies in the United States. EBSCO's history reaches back to the first summer of the Great Depression when 19-year-old Clio, Alabama, native Elton B. Stephens sold magazine subscriptions door to door to earn money for college. Where was Elton born and where did he live? [5], Stephens died on February 5, 2005. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Elton B. Stephens Jr., whose father founded EBSCO Industries in 1944, was kidnapped at 7 a.m. on Sept. 11 from a rental home in Birmingham, where police said a pair of suspects, Matthew Amos Burke . In 1924, at the age of just 13 years old, Elton was alive when J. Edgar Hoover, at the age of 29, was appointed the sixth director of the Bureau of Investigation by Calvin Coolidge (which later became the Federal Bureau of Investigation). The Biography piece is collaborative, where we work together to present the facts. Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama 35201. At one point, earlier testimony showed, Burke told Stephens if he did anything to make Hodges feel uncomfortable, it wont end well for you.. we begin to Show & Tell who they were during particular moments in their lives. The longtime Mountain Brook resident's passing at the age of 91 raises questions about who succeeds her as the richest person in the state, a messy quandary that may never have had as clear an answer as Forbes has long led many to believe. We have no idea how Forbes could have so wrongly made this estimate. If the Stephens name rings a bell for many Birmingham residents, it's probably due to the visible results of the philanthropic work the family has done over the decades. To the present, it is the symbol of the City that is known throughout the world. Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during Elton's lifetime. Elton was a truck driver and worked with Southeastern Paper in Vidalia until his recent retirement. Burke went on to say, according to testimony, that he had bought the house two weeks before which was not true. Burke replied, Forever or just for today?, At one point, records state, Burke asked Stephens, How much life do you think you have left? Stephens replied, 10 years., Burke then said, I think you got 20 more, I think you do. [2][6], Stephens was married to Alys Robinson. All rights reserved (About Us). He was born July 22, 1949, in Fort Smith, Ark., to Oscar Louis Stephens and Patsy . Burke was sentenced to 17 years in prison for kidnapping Elton B. Stephens Jr. last year, according to jail records. 2017-2023 Tribute Archive. ELTON STEPHENS OBITUARY. To cover the rest of his costs, the enterprising young man worked full-time as a salesman in a local dry goods store. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Baker McCullough Funeral Home Danyse G. Edel BIRMINGHAM, AlabamaForbes may have singled out Birmingham's Stephens family as the state's richest clan with an estimated net worth of $4 billion, but those who live in the Magic City likely know Stephenses better for the things they've done with that wealth. Matthew Amos Burke, 35, was released from the county lockup at 3:23 p.m. Friday. They are also charged in state court and awaiting indictment consideration by a Jefferson County grand jury. Elton B Stephens lived Elton Stephens believes anyone can successfully sell anything. Later questioned by authorities as to how she came up with that amount, Hodges replied, it sounded like a big number.. The gift included $1 million for an endowed fund for the UA libraries; $900,000 for an endowed fund in the School of Libraries and Information Studies; $400,000 to the College of Commerce and Business Administration for sales, sales management and marketing scholarships; and $200,000 to support the UA-based Alabama Museum of Natural History. He was born on June 21, 1934 in Minster, Ohio to the late Frank & Rose (Jacobs) Meiring. Survivors include his wife, Kathy Stephens of Tarrytown; two sisters, Claudette Stephens Drury and husband Kenneth of Fernandina Beach, Florida, and Jessie Cook and husband Kenneth of Kilgore, Texas; one brother, William Stephens of Gwinnett County; and several nieces and nephews. Matthew Amos Burke, 34, and Tabatha Nicole Hodges, 33, are charged with burglary, kidnapping an adult for ransom, extortion and theft of property. Worthy Cemetery. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Elton B. Stephens 1911 - 2005 2020 Inductee. I get the chance to remember the Share yesterday to connect today & preserve tomorrow, Copyright 1999-2023 AncientFaces, Inc. All Rights Reserved, ADVERTISEMENT Joni Money said sheriffs officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding Burkes release but said they did not have any documentation that Burke was to remain in custody. Last Known Residence . BIRMINGHAM, AL Prominent Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens, Jr. was kidnapped from his Birmingham home Friday and ordered to pay $250,000 ransom to be released, according to police . Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Burke and Hodges also are charged in state court, where their cases are awaiting grand jury action. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). The kidnapper of Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr. has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. The Red Mountain Expressway, Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, and the 99,500-square-foot Elton B. Stephens Science Center at Birmingham-Southern College were all named in honor of the family's charitable work and donations. October 11th, 2021. Born in Barbour County, Alabama in 1911, Elton B. Stephens was instrumental in the rebirth of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Stephens died on February 5, 2005. Then there was the need for military recreational equipment and furnishings for the officers clubs, so EBSCO eventually found itself handling carpeting and drapery, with a plant in Georgia, and managing military entertainment, with the purchase of National Billiard, Americas oldest pool table company. He has served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for Birmingham-Southern College and had numerous scholarships established in his name at both his alma maters; his honors and accolades abound. Stephens chaired the Alabama Symphonic Association at the time, but it was his $15 million contribution to revive theAlabama Symphony Orchestra that gave it new life with an initial $5 million startup operating fund and a $10 million endowment that ensured its survival. And I found it odd that he has retained Spina, the criminal defense attorney quoted in . According to records, Burke had charges with the state, which were dismissed after a court appearance on Friday. Elton Stephens's passing at the age of 71 on Thursday, January 21, 2021 has been publicly announced by Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home in Vidalia, GA .Legacy invites you to offer condolences and share mem Who were the people in Elton's life? Elton Stephens . Hodges two children ages 11 and 13 were with Hodges and Burke throughout the entire ordeal. They were in the house for hours taking one of Stephens sports cars for a joy ride and making food in the kitchen before waking Stephens about 8:30 a.m. Good healthy years, being successful in whatever it is you may choose to do, after this, as long as you do it right.. We know that Elton R Stephens had been residing in Medford, Jackson County, Oregon 97504. In fact, there are several potential billionaire Alabama residents, and because details about their private finances are not publicly available, it is next to impossible to verify just how much money they have. She was Alabama's first female governor and was the only female governor to . Mr. Elton Stephens, age 71, of Tarrytown, died Thursday, January 21, 2021, in Meadows Health in Vidalia after an briefillness. Sadly, Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. The active involvement of the Stephens' family has contributed to the growth of EBSCO. Elton was a truck driver and worked with Southeastern Paper in Vidalia until his recent retirement. EBSCO Industries. Sentencing is set for Nov. 2 before U.S. District Judge Abdul Kallon. But just who will be the benefactor of her fortune remains unknown beyond her inner circle, as her will is not yet available for public perusal at Jefferson County Probate Court. Discover how our Uncovering Our Shared Memories: An Introduction to the Community Standards at AncientFaces In addition to a lifetime of business and financial endeavors, Elton has committed his life to enrich the world around him. On file we have 26 email addresses and 49 phone numbers associated with Elton in area codes such as 205, 704, 605, 850, 202, and 12 other area codes. The suspect asked Stephens, What are you doing my house? which startled and confused Stephens. He was released only after he wired $250,000 to a bank account of the alleged kidnappers. Enter 44 birth records, View Wadesboro Mr. Elton L. "Tebo" Stephens, 89, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 3, 2019. Its core industries include subscription services to libraries, bibliographic databases, manufacturing of construction and outdoors products, and real estate development. He also left one of his grandsons a few hundred thousand dollars' worth of stock. The U.S. All rights reserved (About Us). U.S. He was a native of Montgomery County, growing up in Mt. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. He enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworkingand tinkering. Basing his operation in Birmingham, Alabama, Elton soon had salesmen hawking titles all over the Southeast, including as World War II began at nearby Fort McClellan. The museum has a Stephens Family Gallery. Stephens was taken to the suspects home in Remlap and held against his will for eight hours. Elton Bryson Stephens Sr. (19112005) was an American businessman from Alabama, who founded EBSCO Industries. Matthew Amos Burke, 34, and Tabatha Nicole Hodges, 33, are charged with abducting Alabama businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr.whose family is 66th on Forbes' list of the richest clans, AL.com . On the way to Remlap, the group stopped at a Full Moon Bar-B-Que drive-thru to get lunch. After graduating from law school . 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