About Us in Stephenville, TX
Johnny Edwards - Trust and Estate Tax Returns in Stephenville, TX
JOHNNY EDWARDS, CPA
As our name reflects, Johnny Edwards was a founding partner of our firm. Growing up in Palo Pinto County, he had an extensive knowledge of the farming industry. He led a full life graduating from Tarleton State in 1970, serving in the Coast Guard, receiving his Masters from University of Texas at Arlington, and serving in the Kiwanis Club. He was a Certified Public Accountant since 1978 and was a loving family man with his wife Joy, 2 children, and 5 grandchildren. Johnny was famous for his warm heart and chipper smile, always willing to help anyone in need. In April 2016, Johnny lost his battle with cancer, and he will be eternally missed. We will continue to operate under the joint name Edwards & Stokes, CPAs, PLLC seeing that he was such an integral part of our firm, as well as our family.
Julia Stokes - Certified Public Accountant & Owner
JULIA STOKES, CPA
Julia grew up in De Leon, Texas, and graduated from Tarleton State University in 1984. While working as a staff accountant for a CPA firm, she attained her certification. Soon after she was employed as a controller for a small corporation for eleven years, and also worked for an international company in downtown Fort Worth as accounting supervisor of fifteen accountants. She went back to public accounting and worked as a senior accountant until opening Edwards & Stokes, CPAs PLLC. Serving clients with the goal of minimizing their tax bill, but having integrity at the same time, is Julia's main focus.  She has two grown children that also live in Stephenville and are graduates of Tarleton State University.  Some of her affiliations are AICPA, Stephenville Chamber of Commerce, and a graduate of Leadership Stephenville (class of 2015). She is the Dave Ramsey ELP for tax services for this area and has a passion for accounting students. She is a supporter of the Texan Shadow Program of Tarleton State University, and enjoys introducing students to the profession. Her family is active in their church, and she enjoys reading, friends, family, and most importantly.....being a grandmother!
Tawnya James - Accountant
TAWNYA JAMES
Tawnya was born and raised in Erath County, where she graduated from Tarleton State University with a Bechelor's degree in Accounting.  She began her career locally and has many years of public accounting experience. She also met her husband, Jerod, while attending Tarleton. They currently live in Lingleville, TX, with the two youngest of their four children. They are members of Lingleville Baptist Church and volunteer in various school organizations. She enjoys baking and spending time with family while camping at the lake or attending country music concerts.
Amy Gillespie - Office Manager
AMY GILLESPIE
Amy came to Stephenville in 1991 to attend Tarleton State University. At the time, home was De Soto, TX, but it didn't take her long to make Stephenville her permanent residence. After graduating in 1995 with a degree in Animal Science and a minor in Biology, she married her husband, Fred. They stay busy raising, training, and showing horses and have one daughter that is also a graduate of Tarleton State University. Amy has worked with the team since 2006, and makes the client's tax experience as painless as possible! Making sure everything runs smoothly is her specialty, but she also loves riding, photography, and spending time in the mountains or on the lake with her family.
Zach Hallman - Accountant
ZACHARY HALLMAN
Zachary was raised in Stephenville, TX and graduated from Howard Payne University with his BBA in Accounting. He is currently working on his master's degree at Tarleton State University.  He is excited to return to his home town and to serve the community that helped shape him. Zach has played for various semi-pro soccer clubs and enjoys being active, reading and spending time with friends.
Katie Keith - Accountant
KYLIE CRUSON
Kylie Cruson graduated from Texas A&M University with her bachelor's degree in Economics and master's degree in Accounting from Tarleton State.  She grew up in the Lake Dallas area, and now calls Stephenville home. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her 3 dogs. 
Katie Keith - Accountant
RACHEL RYAN
Rachel moved to Stephenville in 2023 to attend Tarleton State University, and is majoring in Agricultural Communication. Quickly thereafter, she learned just how much the town has to offer and decided to stay in Stephenville year-round! She also has plans to stay near the Stephenville area after graduation in 2026.  Rachel enjoys spending her days riding horses, golfing, watching old crime shows, or doing any arts & crafts.  We are happy she joined our team as the newest Admistrative Assistant!