Jackie Hooks Stephenson

Jackie Hooks Stephenson, age 90, was born at home on his grandparent’s farm on November 11, 1934, to parents Raymond Young and Merle Allen Stephenson. He was a 1953 graduate of Wilson’s Mills High School, where he was a high school bus driver & his high school class Salutatorian. He enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he served 4 years active with 4 years in reserves, and was later honorably discharged. He attended Campbell College, graduating in 1960. He then attended Wake Forest College, graduating in 1962. That same year, he married Fonda Embler & adopted her son Steven Lee. Jackie & Fonda had Melissa “Rae” in 1969 in Winston Salem, later moving to Oak Island, N.C. where he accepted a job with the Southport Chamber of Commerce as director.

Jackie has worked as a land surveyor, Greyhound bus driver, high school teacher, real estate appraiser, public relations & marketing director. He has worked with several other Chamber of Commerce agencies over the years. He was a member of several organizations including the North Carolina Economic Development Association, Lions Club, Campbell University Alumni Association, and Wilson’s Mills Alumni Association.

Jackie was involved with his grandchildren’s interests, attending sports events with grandsons, concerts containing granddaughter Emily at Campbell University, dance recitals with granddaughters Stephanie and Sarah, and the wedding of his grandson Walker on the Dupont Estate in Delaware.

Jackie is preceded in death by his parents, older brothers Max & Macon; Max’s children Diane & Mike; great-nephew Parker Ivey. He is survived by his wife Fonda; son Steven Lee (current wife Delores, former wife Rayna, biological mother to his children); Grandsons Walker (wife Lauren, children Wyatt and Lucy) & Wesley (partner Lateefah, daughter Anastasia); Granddaughters Stephanie (son Morgan) & Sarah (son Danny, daughter Madison); Daughter Melissa “Rae” Jernigan (Husband Carl, Sons Johnathan & Truett, and daughter Emily); younger sister Ann Daughtry (Husband Don, daughters Donna, Melanie, Kelly and her son Caleb); Macon’s Children Robert (wife Lisa, daughter Emmalyn, son Jordan) & daughter Ranel (husband Barry, sons Rob & Kevin).

A Memorial Service will be held at Johnston Union Church, Clayton, NC, at 3pm, Saturday, April 26, 2025. Visitation with the family will be preceding the service at the church at 2 pm. Following the service, all are invited to join the family for supper at Jackie’s favorite restaurant, Cracker Barrel, in Smithfield, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Jackie’s name to one of his favorite charities or organizations: USMC Toys for Tots, Wilson’s Mills High School, Campbell University, Wake Forest University, or N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Farming & Forestry programs.