Stella was born in Charlottesville, Va., on Oct. 20, 1927, to Robin E. Burson and Ruth Wynne Burson. She was raised in Richmond, Va., and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. She earned a degree in occupational therapy from Richmond Polytechnic Institute, now Virginia Commonwealth University.
In 1951 she married Dr. Ira P. Efird Jr. They moved to Greensboro in 1953 where they raised their five children.
Stella was deeply involved in volunteer work for her community and her church. Her outgoing personality, people skills, organizational skills, broad knowledge, and impeccable taste allowed her to successfully serve in leadership positions in a variety of organizations, including Preservation Greensboro, Greensboro Opera Companions, the English Speaking Union, and the Greensboro Day School. She was a charter member of the Greensboro Golf Commission, responsible for building Bryan Park. She was active in her garden club and book club.
Her most rewarding volunteer work was with First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, where she was a member for 66 years. Her many contributions to First Presbyterian Church included being one of the first woman deacons and elders. She chaired the 100th anniversary celebration of the church and for nearly 40 years was in charge of the church’s communion linens and silver. She also was a member of Women of the Church and her church circle. She served on more church committees than can be named here.
Stella enjoyed playing golf, skiing in the winter, playing bridge, doing needlepoint and jigsaw puzzles and most importantly spending time with her family. A favorite way to fill summer days was at her second home on the Rappahannock River in Virginia with her family or a group of special friends who called themselves the River Rats.
She is survived by her sister, Beverley B. Hundley of Richmond, Va. She also is survived by her children and their spouses: Charles B. Efird and John K. Gartling of Baltimore, Md.; Robert I. Efird and D. Forrest Hughes of Richmond, Va.; Kathryn E. Stover and David M. Stover of Raleigh, NC; John B. Efird and Michelle H. Efird of Greensboro, NC; and Anne E. Romano and L. Richard Romano of Virginia Beach, Va.
She also is survived by grandchildren Charles H. Efird and his wife Lauren M. Efird of Williamsburg, Va; Robert F. Efird of Gunnison, CO; Dorothy E. Stabler and her husband William L. Stabler of Jackson, Miss.; Margaret A. Efird of Greensboro, NC; Kathryn F. Stover of London, England; Elizabeth M. Stover of Winston-Salem, NC; and Cutter L. Romano of Virginia Beach, Va.
Also surviving are great-grandchildren Alexander C. Efird and Stella M. Efird of Williamsburg, Va.
Other survivors include cousins and many nieces and nephews.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection for Stella will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 3, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church, 617 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC, with a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to Preservation Greensboro, to First Presbyterian Church (music program), or to the charity of your choice.
