Leona Taylor Stegall

Leona Taylor Stegall passed away on Saturday, May 9, at Novant Health Hospice and Palliative Care in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was born on May 18, 1933, in Wilkes County, North Carolina, to George Alonzo Taylor and Elwood Othelia Pilkenton Taylor. Leona came just days shy of celebrating her 93rd birthday.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Stegall; her parents; her brothers, Junior, Hubert, Gwyn, and Donnie Taylor; and her sisters, Mary Meadows and Ola Carey.

She is survived by her son, Randy Stegall and wife, Mary Ann, of Charlotte; granddaughter, Amy Beverly; and two great-grandchildren, Mitchell and Katie Beverly, all of Charlotte. She is also survived by her sisters, Juanita Roten (Dayton) of Millers Creek, Nancy Severt (Jack) of Wilkesboro; her brother, Dean Taylor (Joyce) of Millers Creek; and numerous nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Millers Creek High School in 1951, Leona moved to Charlotte, traveling by bus and living in a boarding house at the corner of Independence Boulevard and 4th Street, where she knew only one other person. She began her career with Southern Bell on March 25, 1952, and retired on April 30, 1991, after nearly 40 years of dedicated service, including an extraordinary 32 years of perfect attendance. She retired as Assistant Manager of Tax & Reconciliation.

Leona was a faithful member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church and previously attended Hickory Grove Presbyterian Church, where she made history as the church’s first woman elected as a deacon.

The family extends special thanks to caregivers Linda Alexander and Regina Smolos for their years of devoted assistance and care, which allowed Leona to remain in her home for as long as possible. They also wish to thank the staff of Asbury Rehab, Novant Hospital–Hawthorne, and Novant Health Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte for their compassionate care and support.

A Graveside Service will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28227, US, on May 13, 2026, from 3:30 pm.