Jerry C. Stephens

Jerry Culberth Stephens of Wilmington, NC went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 18, 2022. He was 87 years old. After several months of declining health Jerry passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Jerry was born in Cerro Gordo, NC on January 15, 1935 to Durham and Bertha Goins Stephens. He was known as "Smiley" to many because of his constant smile and friendly disposition. He never met a stranger. Jerry was a loving and devoted husband, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.

He was a long time member of Long Leaf Baptist Church, going on several mission trips to Honduras and Alaska. He was quick to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, often mowing lawns for widows in his church community, and visiting church members in hospitals, nursing homes and hospice care. Jerry was a devout Christian and prayed ardently throughout the day. He read his bible three hours a day until his eyesight failed. He loved listening to Christian radio and the Gaither gospel singers.

Jerry was a self-taught welder with the guidance from friends. This profession took him to several states but brought him back home in 1977 to work for Federal Paper where he retired at the age of 59.

He is survived by his son Berry Stephens (Mary), his daughter Angie Stephens Hall (Greg), two sisters Vella Mae Milligan and Ellen Coates (Jim), his nephew Gene Autry Todd who was more like a brother, his grandchildren, Lindsey, Maddie, Sarah, Clay, Will, Faith, Sam, and great grandchildren, Evie and Easton.

Sarah, his eldest grandchild in Wilmington lived with Jerry for the past 1.5 years. Sarah gave loving care to her Papa and the two truly enjoyed being "roomies".

Jerry was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty Ann Larkins Stephens of 48 years, a son David Stephens, his parents Durham and Bertha Stephens, siblings; Clara Stephens Todd, Varser Stephens and Wilton (Bill) Stephens.

Special thanks to Dr. Chris Cosgrove for his wonderful care of Jerry over the years. Also thank you to his friends and caregivers at Elderhaus at the Lake. He loved spending his weekdays there the last two years. And thank you to the staff at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare for helping the family keep Jerry comfortable at home in his final weeks.

A visitation for Jerry will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Long Leaf Baptist Church, 317 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, North Carolina 28412.

Funeral Service will occur on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Long Leaf Baptist Church.Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, North Carolina 28412.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jerry's name to one of the following organizations that touched his life:

Cure HHT, PO Box 329, Monkton, MD 21111

Elderhaus at the Lake, 1950 Amphitheater Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CobleGreenlawn.com for the Stephens family.