Waverly Conly Stephenson

Waverly Conly Stephenson, 97, beloved husband of Daisy Cecil Hicks Stephenson for 75 years passed away at his home in Garner, NC on the morning of April 5, 2016. Born February 13, 1919 in rural Johnston County to Joseph M. and Mary Ina Walton Stephenson, he was taught to work hard, love his family, and respect the land. He spent his youth growing tobacco, sweet potatoes, and cotton. He married the love of his life and eternal partner, Cecil and raised five children. Conly, Michael, Sandra, Mary Jo, and Richard admired him and loved him dearly. He was a nurturing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. An avid golfer, he spent many happy hours on the golf course with his wife, children, grandchildren, and golf buddies. He was such an inspiration to those that knew him. Drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, Waverly served with the 42nd Infantry Division (Rainbow) in the European theater of combat. His heroic actions and duties earned him the Bronze Star Medal for bravery. The Rainbow Division, the 45th Infantry Division, and the 20th Armored were responsible for the liberation of the infamous Dachau, Germany concentration camp on April 29, 1945. Post WWII Waverly attended Barber College and became a Master Barber, operating Forest Hills Barber Shop for more than 30 years. In 1958 he was awarded First Place for Men’s Haircutting by the North Carolina Associated Master Barbers. He was engaged in the Garner community as one of the founding coaches in Garner Little League Baseball, often picking up all of his players and taking them to the games. The first Sunday school meeting of Highland Baptist Church was hosted by Waverly and Cecil in their home, approximately 100 feet from where the church was eventually built. Waverly was preceded in death by his wife, Cecil who passed on January 21, 2016; sisters Islan Broadwell and Veron Penny; brothers Delma, Jetherage, and Darphrid Stephenson. He is survived by five children, Conly Stephenson and partner Jean Daniels, Mike Stephenson and wife Jennifer, Sandra Stephenson Diffee, Mary Jo Stephenson and husband Mark Phillips, and Richard Stephenson; seven grandchildren, Morgan Stephenson and wife Marisa, Kim Brennan, Heather Gaydeski and husband Joe, Marshall Phillips and partner Sean Hunt, Owen Phillips, Duncan and Joel Stephenson; nine great-grandchildren, Jordan, Emma, and Nico Stephenson, Shannon Edwards and husband Tommy, Daniel Brennan and wife Haley, Kelly and Mason Brennan, Isabella and Brienna Gaydeski; three great-great grandchildren, Brennan Holder, Riley and Caroline Brennan.