Dawn Cross Stephens

Dawn Cross Stephens, 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, November 9, after spending a wonderful day with family.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, William (Bill) Stephens; her children, Monica Stephens Williford (Brian) and Todd Stephens (Barbara); her cherished grandchildren, Hayden Williford, Collin Williford, Ava Stephens, and Jackson Stephens; her sister, Sandra Cross; and her brother, Sanford Cross Jr. (Pam).

Born on October 5, 1946, in Caribou, Maine, to Sanford and Natalie (Monteith) Cross, Dawn moved with her family to Cary at the age of six. Though she grew up in North Carolina, her love for Maine remained throughout her life, and she treasured her many visits “home.”

Dawn was a proud graduate of Cary High School, where she formed lifelong friendships she continued to cherish. After high school, she attended UNC Dental Assistant School and began her career as a dental assistant in Raleigh before choosing to dedicate her time to raising her children. She treasured her years as a devoted stay-at-home mother and was deeply involved in her children’s lives—serving as a PTA member, room mom, sports mom, band mom, and carpool mom.

Later, as her children grew, Dawn explored a second career in accounting, working with BAS and Northern Telecom.

Dawn had a lifelong love of reading, which she joyfully passed along to her children and grandchildren. Some of her happiest moments were spent at the family beach house, reading stories to her grands or working on her beautiful cross-stitch and crochet projects for others.

A shining light to all who knew her, Dawn was kind, compassionate, and deeply devoted to her family. She filled the lives of those around her with love, encouragement, and laughter. Her favorite titles in life were Wife, Mother, and Nana.

Her quick smile and warm hugs will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the incredible nurses with Senior Helpers, Transitions HospiceCare and Swift Creek at Templeton for their compassionate care throughout Dawn’s journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite children’s organization or to Dawn’s favorite cause, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 23, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Hackney Reception Room at Brown Wynne Cary, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC, 27511.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary in honored to serve the Stephens family.