Jean Stephens

Raleigh – Jean Stephens, 68, was surrounded by family when she went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 11, 2017.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. For over 15 years she walked side by side with her soul mate, William Stephens, who she affectionally called “Pops.” Together, they built a strong foundation of love for their four children, who were blessed by hera woman who exemplified the definition of mother. Jean Stephens found her truest calling the day she became a grandmother. Whether it was individually wrapping up each grandchild or great-grandchild’s favorite baked treat before they left her home at Christmas, to the way she lit up the minute she saw their facesher grandchildren were her everything. She went above and beyond to make sure they knew they were adored and unconditionally loved. We will miss the way she could brighten a room when she smiled and the sound of her laugh. We will miss the way she poured love into everything she cooked or baked. She was strong. She was determined. She instilled in us the importance of hard work, determination and loyalty. While we grieve and shed tears because of her passing, we know she is walking the streets of Gold and at complete peace. We also know that though her earthly body is no longer with us, the legacy of her love, the warmth of her soul, and every lesson she instilled will continue in each of our hearts forever. The family will receive friends from Thursday from 6-8:00 pm at Bryan Lee Funeral Home in Garner. Funeral Service will be private. Survivors include her husband, William Stephens; daughters, Becky Beverly and fiance, Nickey Pendergraft of Clayton, Kim Dean and husband, Kent of Smithfield; step-daughter, Tammy Bradshaw and husband, Brian of Benson, step-son Brian Stephens & April Stephens of Benson; brother, Joel Stutts of Smithfield; sisters Lillie Mae Price of Willow Springs, Patricia Stutts of Lousiburg, and Judy Cannon of Willow Springs. Grandchildren, Lindsay Heck, Brandon Roberts, Brent Dean, Jordan Nolan, Cody Roberts, Karsen Nolan, Chris Fisher, Abby Stephens, Autumn Bradshaw, Ava Bradshaw, Hunter Bradshaw, Holden Bradshaw; Great-Grandchildren, Jaydan Simmons, Tyler Heck, Kendell Roberts, Caden Roberts, Maverick Averitt, Parker Heck, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents George & Eva Lee Stutts, brother Glen Stutts, sister Rachel Pendergraft. In lieu of flowers, we know that she would want us to continue to support the McCullers Ruritan Club that she and William were so dedicated to.  Please send donations to McCullers Ruritan, attn Sue Johnson, 6110 Lake Wheeler Rd. Raleigh, NC 27603. Condolences may be sent to the family at bryan-leefuneralhome.com