Carole M. Stephens
Carole M. Stephens was named as the first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency on March 31, 2012, during the April General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (frequently called the Mormon or LDS Church). She served with Linda K. Burton, president, and Linda S. Reeves, second counselor. The presidency was released on April 1, 2017.
Sister Stephens was a member of the Relief Society general board when she accepted the call to serve as first counselor in the general presidency. She has also served as a stake and ward Relief Society president, ward Relief Society counselor, teacher and homemaking leader, ward Young Women president, member of a ward Primary presidency, Primary teacher, Cub Scout leader, Church-service missionary[1] and Seminary teacher.
She attended Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, and is an active member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She is married to former Utah legislator, Martin R. Stephens. They are the parents of six children and 15 grandchildren.
As one of Sister Stephens’ first speaking assignments, she participated in an open discussion with Sister Burton and Sister Reeves at the 2012 Brigham Young University Women's Conference. The three women leaders discussed how difficult life experiences have strengthened them.
Among the three Latter-day Saint women, they have dealt with unemployment, cancer, drug addiction, miscarriages, infertility, death, twins, divorce, adoptions, disability, financial loss, depression, alcohol addiction, and pornography.
- “These experiences have strengthened our testimonies, and they have created opportunities for us to rely on, and be strengthened through the atoning power of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” Sister Stephens told the group.
