Bess had a strong faith and deep love for her family and friends. We, her family, adored her and thank God for her life and love. We also are thankful for her many friends who enriched our lives.
Bess was born on April 29, 1927 in Quincy Florida where her parents, Wayland Benson Williams and Bess Grant Williams, were attending a tobacco market. Bess grew up in Durham, North Carolina, attending Immaculate Conception School and graduated in 1944 from Durham High School. Bess enjoyed spending summers as a child at her paternal grandparents' home in Hat Creek, Virginia.
Bess attended Duke University where she lived in Giles House and was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She met her husband, Paul Stephanz, at Duke and after graduating in 1948, they married on March 26, 1949 and then shared 61 wonderful years together. Paul pursued a career in banking, first with the federal reserve in Richmond, and then as city and regional executive with Wachovia Bank in Winston-Salem, Burlington, and Greensboro. Bess was by his side helping promote his career. In Burlington, Bess served as a Girl Scout troop leader for her daughters, Paula and Beth. She was very involved at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Burlington and St Pius X Church in Greensboro, where she was a Eucharist minister for many years. In Greensboro, Bess volunteered countless hours in the Health Room at Page High School where all five children graduated. She was the first parent inducted into the Pirate Club at Page. Bess was a devoted supporter of her children providing invaluable assistance in their academic endeavors and, in the case of Bill and Mark, in their tennis and basketball endeavors.
Bess enjoyed working at the voting polls, being a member of the Wednesday Literary Club and Mobile Meals. Her daily five mile walks with her dear friend, Barb Walser, continued from 1977 to 2015 when Bess returned to Durham to live in Croasdaile Village.
Bess was an avid Duke fan holding season tickets in football and men's basketball for decades. Her tailgate parties at Duke football games are legendary, with Bess bestowing this tradition upon Lynn.
Bess was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul, and her son Bill. Bess is survived by her daughter Paula Dennis and her husband, Paul, of Greensboro and their daughters, Abby Dennis(Donald Peele) and Kelly Dean(Walker); her daughter Beth Wentz (Greg Babb) of Wake Forest and her children Bess Matson (BoLars) and Drew Wentz; her daughter Lynn Harrington and her husband David of Durham and their children Bess Carter(Craig) and Ben Harrington; and her son Mark of New York, NY and his husband Joe and children Hannah, Liza, and Grant and their mother Rita McCloy Stephanz of Larchmont, NY. Bess is also survived by two Great Granddaughters, Annabelle Dean and Emma Benson Carter.
The family would like to sincerely thank the Care Team at the Pavilion at Croasdaile Village for the loving and compassionate care given to Bess. They have been wonderful!
Memorials may be made to the Durham Rescue Mission, the Eno River Association or to a charity of the donor's choice.
A graveside service will be held on at 12 noon on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Hanes Lineberry N Elm Street in Greensboro is assisting the Stephanz family.
