James Stephenson

Willow Spring, NC:  Mr. James Simon Stephenson, age 91, a WWII veteran, died Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield.  Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, May 6 at Friendship Baptist Church, 416 Greenleaf Road, Angier, NC 27501.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Officiating will be Revs. Jerry Peck, Pearl Castleberry and Bro. Mack Fowler. Mr. Stephenson was a charter member and deacon of Friendship Baptist Church where he oversaw the building of the church, was a Sunday School teacher, choir member, member of the Church Men's Singing Quartet and served in many other capacities. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cecelia Bullard; son, James Everett (Jim) Stephenson; and all his brothers and sisters.  He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Vivian Stephenson; a Daughter, Gloria (Joe) Dupree of Myrtle Beach, SC; a Grandson, Steven (Mary) Dupree of Lady's Island, SC; Granddaughters, Jennifer (Alan) Scratcher of  Myrtle Beach, SC and Leslie Hawley of Four Oaks, NC; Great Grandchildren, Austin and Cody Scratcher and Chase Hawley; and many nephews and nieces. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church from 9:45 AM-10:45 AM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friendship Baptist Church, 416 Greenleaf Rd,. Angier, NC 27501, Community Home Care and Hospice, 960 Hwy 42 West, Clayton, NC 27520 or SECU Hospice House, P.O. Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577.