Stephen Lermond Gergen

Stephen "Pa" Lermond Gergen, born February 20, 1938 in Durham, NC went home to shake it up in heaven April 27, 2022 at 84 years old. His battle with cancer over the last few months showed his courage in facing life challenges with a deep faith and twinkle in his smiling eyes. Despite the difficulties and unknowns, Steve came out a hero to his family and friends and stayed strong until the end. Just this past December, he had joyfully celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with the love of his life, Lorraine, surrounded by their entire family.

Raleigh/Durham resident native, Steve left a legacy in the lives of hundreds of youth and adults through his passion for and commitment to leadership excellence. Throughout his entire adult life, he was PROactively involved with his children, grandchildren and youth within the community through coaching, volunteering and mentoring. Steve never met a stranger - and would generally invite them over for dinner and a chat if he did.

Duke fan to the end (he and Krzyzewski enjoyed their final season together), Steve received his education at both Duke and Atlantic Christian. He served proudly in the National Guard reserves, eventually igniting the passion Steve maintained for his country and for biblical justice for all people.

Equally (in)famous for his "campfire chats" and terrifying ghost stories, Steve spent his later years pouring over the Bible, diving into scripture and making sure we all know the redeeming love of God. Every individual is an important part of God's greater plan. On the front of his last journal, he handwrote, "All work is for His glory...not mine, others or what the world wants or needs (1 Corinthians 3:9)."

Steve is survived by his wife, Lorraine; daughters, Lory Simonson-Schuler and LeAnne Gergen; son-in-law, Scott Schuler; precious grandchildren, Matthew and Allyson Simonson; brothers, John, Kenneth and David. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John Gergen, Sr. and Aubigne Lermond Hickson; his son, Stephen Gregory "Chef Greg" Gergen.

A service to celebrate his life well-lived will be held Saturday, May 7, 1:00 PM at Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh. The family will receive guests immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to www.hopereins.org/donate or https://www.highlandumc.org.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, St. Mary's St.