Nancy Evans McLaughlin Stevens

Nancy Evans McLaughlin Stevens, 81, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, December 7, 2025, at WakeMed after a brief illness. She was born July 14, 1944, in Washington, D.C. to Melvin and Florence Evans McLaughlin.

She was predeceased by her parents; her son, Matthew E. Stevens and her sister, Audrey Rhoades.

She is survived by her daughter, Molly Stevens Williams and her son-in-law, Chris of Garner; her favorite grandson, C. Garrett Williams (Whitney) of Durham; several nieces; a nephew; her beloved brother-in law, Bill Rhoades of Florida; and her sister, Sally Trukenbbrod of Vermont.

Growing up in a military family, she lived all over the US including Hawaii. After graduating from high school in Jacksonville, NC, she attended Campbell College and later earned her BA in Fine Arts from Meredith College. She ran 2 successful businesses and taught many young women the value of hard work and the importance of independence. She finished her working career at Lowes Home Improvement where she loved her regular customers and many co-workers.

She was incredibly talented and created many beautiful works of art in her lifetime. She had a love for learning and could do just about anything. Working in her yard, once a showpiece, was something she truly enjoyed, and she was saddened to have to give that up. She loved her Longview area neighborhood and was a friend to all the families that came and went over the more than 50 years she lived there.

During her last years, she had mid-day meals at the Friendship Cafe at the Five Points Center for Active Adults. She so enjoyed her yoga classes and playing mah-jongg there and formed many cherished friendships over lunch.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Meals on Wheels of Wake County as they afforded her nourishment, fellowship and held a special place in her heart.

A remembrance will be held at a later date.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh is serving the Stevens family.