Louise Stephens grew up in the Brainerd neighborhoods where her father was the owner and pharmacist at the Belvoir Pharmacy. In 1967, Louise and her sisters, The Brown Sisters, made a cherished record of sacred songs. As a lasting gift to her children, she wrote a beautiful family history which she shared in 2007.

Louise attended Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, along with her friend and future sister-in-law June Stephens. She was a member of the Madrigalians, Peabody Players, and Beta Kappa Tau and Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity at Peabody. She was elected Miss Peabody. After graduation, Louise began a lifelong career as a teacher. In 1953, she married Jean William Stephens at Brainerd Baptist Church. Jean was a teacher and later principal at Hixson Elementary and East Ridge High Schools and director of high schools in Chattanooga. Louise took a joyful break from teaching when her three children joined the family. After the children were grown, Louise returned to teaching in 1968, retiring in 1987.

After retirement she was a leader in the Tennessee Retired Teachers’ Association and the East Tennessee Vocal Association (ETVA). In 2013, ETVA created the Louise Stephens Vocal Music Scholarship.