Jane Turner Stephenson

Jane Turner Stephenson died December 08, 2014 at the Glenaire Retirement Center in Cary, NC. Ms. Stephenson was born January 19, 1928 in Garysburg, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Dixon Stephenson and Sara Virginia Ellis Stephenson, her Aunt Lucy Anne Ellis and Uncle Horace Sumter Ellis, her nephew Robert Boyd Robinson III. and brother in-law, Robert. Boyd Robinson Jr.. She is survived by her sisters, Ms. Katherine S. Robinson, Ms. Patsy Stephenson Daniel and their families.

Ms. Stephenson attended public school in Garysburg and Weldon, NC. She attended Peace Junior College in Raleigh where she was elected “Miss Peace:” and was President of the Student Body. She received her AB degree in Social Studies and Government from Greensboro College in 1949. She worked for the NC Department of Public Welfare in Guilford County until 1959.

In 1959 Jane entered the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where she earned a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work. In 1962 Jane joined the Craven County Department of Social Services, and resided in New Bern, NC. She worked as a Children's Service Social Worker and Staff Supervisor prior to her appointment as the Director of Social Services for Craven County in 1975. Ms. Stephenson retired in 1987 after 40 years working in the NC public service system. She continued her association with both private and governmental Human Service Agencies as an active member and volunteer.

In 1989 Jane moved to the home she designed and built on the shore of Bogue Sound at Atlantic Beach, NC. She enjoyed fishing, sailing boating and delighted in time spent in the company of family and friends. She joined the First Presbyterian Church of Morehead City, NC. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Women’s organization and served as President /Moderator for two years. In 1998 she received an Honorary Life Membership in the Community of Presbyterian Women.

Jane moved to the Glenaire Retirement Center in 2003. There will be a Memorial Service for Ms. Stephenson at Glenaire Monday December 15th at 3:00 PM. The family will also hold a celebration of life for Jane at the Garysburg Methodist Church in Garysburg, NC in February.

Instead of flowers it is suggested donations to honor Jane Turner Stephenson be made to The Garysburg United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, c/o The United Methodist Foundation,Inc. 700 Waterfield Ridge Place, Garner, NC 27529