Friends and family are so special

to Bill and Mary Jo Stephens of Fayetteville that they traditionally combine

the two on Christmas Day with a visit to LaFayette Nursing Home.

Known to the residents as "Mr.

Bill of Fayetteville," and "roommate" Mary Jo, the couple

has made a tradition of bringing their gifts of laughter and song to the

residents on the biggest holiday of the year. Accompanied by their two

grown children and grandchildren, the Stephenses spend time entertaining

and interacting with the seniors prior to gathering for family time.

"It's pretty simple. I

sing and Mary Jo hugs," Stephens laughs. With a repertoire of more

than 500 music tracks to many of the old hymns, Southern gospel songs

and pop classics, Stephens can fulfill just about any song request that

comes his way. He can also crack a good corny joke, and tell stories about

his favorite characters, Uncle Charlie and Aunt Nellie, who cope daily

with afflictions of age, common with the graying audience.

Stephens launched his career

on the senior circuit in 1993, christening his endeavor Silver Hair Ministries.

Since then, he has developed a regular schedule of visits to LaFayette

as well as neighboring facilities like Christian City. He also performs

for church groups and senior luncheons.

Last Sunday, he and Mary Jo

visited the Alzheimer's patients at LaFayette. Despite the frailty of

many members of the audience, Stephens was able to coax a few stanzas

of "Silent Night" from some, and even prompted one energetic

senior to dance. Across the room, Mary Jo wrapped her arms around a tiny

sweat-suited resident and engaged in some hearty hand-clapping with another.

Stephens is accompanied by

a professionally mixed track that he controls with the click of a remote.

He holds his microphone with the confidence of a Grand Ole Opry star and

clearly puts his heart and soul into each and every melody.

In addition to performing regularly,

Stephens, just over 60, continues to work in custom remodeling and stays

active in his church, New Hope Baptist. Mary Jo works for the state and

keeps busy with their grandchildren, who often accompany them on their

nursing home visits.

To contact Mr. Bill and Silver

Hair Ministries, phone 770-460-0222.