Wendell Colvert Stephens, Jr.

1951 - 2025

Wendell Colvert Stephens, Jr., 74, of Lumberton, NC, passed away Friday, September 19, 2025 at UNC Health in Lumberton.

Wendell was born on April 12, 1951.  His parents were Alice McArver Stephens, and Wendell Colvert Stephens, Sr.  He attended school in Lumberton and graduated from Lumberton Senior High in 1969.  The Army drafted him during the Vietnam War and he served about two years in Fairbanks and Nome, Alaska.  

Following his stint in the Army, Wendell made good use of the GI Bill, attending first, Mars Hill College, then University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he received a BS in Business.  

Working in the insurance industry, he began with Ritter, then Gay and Taylor.  Later, he worked with Nationwide where he was an insurance adjuster.  He retired from Nationwide and exchanged his adjusting duties for a never-ending Honey-Do List.  

A devoted husband to his wife of 48 Years, Wanda Ivey Stephens, he enjoyed his retirement years working on that List, with dozens of projects in progress simultaneously.  Another list he enjoyed was the Grocery List.  Maybe he just wanted to get out for a change of scenery. 

A loving father to his children, Rhyne Stephens Hughes (wife of Keith) and Marc Stephens, he made their house a home especially with his love of the holidays.  His wife called him a "Decorating Genius" because he would put a garland or bulb on you if you stood still long enough.  The biggest joy of Christmas was setting up his numerous Lionel trains, and their intricate accessories.  The grandchildren were endlessly fascinated by his train configurations.  Ethan, Elliott, Elijah Page and Clara Hughes are the grandchildren that were so adored by their doting grandfather.  

His brother, Phillip Stephens and Phillip's wife, Martha, were always generous and kind and Wendell had a close relationship with them.  They will always be considered beloved and close family members.   Paul Walker, a neighbor, and close friend is also considered family.       

Wendell's Masonic Family was an important part of his life, with his participating in Masonic rituals when he was called upon.  He never said, "No" when asked to help out at the Lodge or rub barbeque spices on the Boston Butts.  

"The truth is that maybe we're just average.   But the way I see it--families where parents get up every morning and go to jobs that are hard so they can get their kids through school and through life, and struggle to make it all work and manage to do it with dignity and a little humor--well that's not average.  That's extraordinary."  The Middle,  "Average Rules," 2010, written by DeAnn Heline and Eileen Heisler

Wendell was definitely not average.  He was extraordinary.   

The visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm. Tuesday September 23, 2025 at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc. in Lumberton.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Meadowbrook Cemetery in Lumberton, with the Rev. Jackie Spillers officiating.

Flowers are welcome, but if you wish, memorials may be made to: Homes for Children at Oxford, www.mhe.oxford.org