Barbara Ann Stephenson

It is with deep faith that we announce the passing of Barbara Ann Stephenson, who passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loving caregivers on October 11, 2025 to join her Heavenly Father.

Barbara was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1935. She grew up in a loving home in Deepwater, NJ, a very close-knit small town. She was a tomboy and loved going fishing and helping her father outside. She found her true love with Dewey Stephenson in 1955. As part of the Air Force, they enjoyed living in France and many states in US. Traveling and experiencing other cultures supported her love of adventures.

Barbara was the epitome of a loving wife and mother. She was the sunshine in the room with her outgoing personality and joyous spirit. Barbara dedicated her life to her family as a loving wife of 67 years, mother, grandmother and homemaker. She took great pride in creating a warm and welcoming home. God blessed her with the gift of creativity and she crafted many crochets, needlepoint, sewing, painting, and jewelry works of art. She mastered the skills of a great baker and enjoying baking cookies, cakes, and breads for her family. Everyone who knew her understood she loved to dress up and wear her matching jewelry. She also had a passionate interest in medicine and earned her degree in medical terminology from Johnston Community College after her children were grown. Barbara was a very spiritual Christian filled with love and empathy for people. She was so approachable that during most shopping trips she would end up praying with complete strangers who had begun a conversation with her about life’s trials. She looked forward to church service, was an active member of the Four Oaks Methodist Church and attend Sunday service through early 2025. She worked diligently to make holidays and family celebrations special with favorite meals, decorations and traditions. Barbara loved the beach and the water and always marveled at the ocean’s power and beauty. More than anything, she was born to be a nurturing mom. She loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart. She was happiest when all her “clan” was at home. Her joyous love and fun-loving spirit were a blessing to all that knew her.

She is survived by her sons, Tom Stephenson and his wife Beth of Clayton, NC; Mike Stephenson and his wife Anita of Four Oaks, NC; her daughter, Debbie Holloman and her husband Don of Pine Level, NC; and her grandsons, Richard Stephenson and his wife Lori of Benson, NC; and Patrick Stephenson and his wife, Brittany of Columbia, SC; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceeded in death by her husband, Dewey Stephenson; her mother and father, Emmett and Honora Oberholtzer of Deepwater, NJ; and her sisters Patrica Light and Honey Oberholtzer.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.

A floating viewing will be hosted on October 16th, 2025 from 9:00am-1:00 pm at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks. The graveside services will begin at 2:00PM at Four Oaks City Cemetery, South Baker Street, Four Oaks, NC 27524.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Transitions Hospice Services. Also, the private caregivers including RoseAnn, Laura, Kimberly, Jeanine, Sharon, Sarah, and Dianne.

Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to Four Oaks United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks, NC