Merrilyn Williams "Lynn" Stephenson

1926 - 2024

Merrilyn "Lynn" Williams Stephenson

November 15, 1926 - December 31, 2024

Raleigh, North Carolina - Merrilyn "Lynn" Williams Stephenson, renowned world traveler, took her final journey at the age of 98. Born on November 15, 1926, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Lynn was the daughter of Iva Counts Williams, originally of Mayfield, Kentucky, and Frank Harrison Williams, originally of Wallace, North Carolina. After her father's death when Lynn was only fourteen months old, she and her mother returned from Wisconsin to her mother's hometown of Mayfield, Kentucky, where she grew up surrounded by a beloved extended family. Lynn attended the University of Kentucky. Her first employment was with The Curtis Publishing Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1960 she moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. Her first priority and love was her advertising and promotional agency, where she thrived with creativity into her retirement. Lynn also created and operated a contract trucking and delivery company and was a partner in a beauty supply company.

Lynn was chosen by The Raleigh Chamber of Commerce to plan and execute the Wake County Mixed Beverage Campaign in 1978 and 1979. With the dedication of generous businessmen in the Triangle Area, this campaign was successful. This helped create an explosion of growth in Wake, Durham and Orange Counties. She was known for creating unusual attention getting promotional events. Lynn was a successful businesswoman and dedicated citizen of Raleigh.

Many accolades were given to Lynn for her numerous civic endeavors. Her honors included the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year, Pilot Club of Raleigh Wake County Woman of the Year and Quota International, Inc. Living Legend. She served on the Raleigh Redevelopment Commission, Raleigh Housing Authority, North Carolina Arts Council, Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County, Mordecai Historical House, United Cerebral Palsy, Triangle Family Services, Raleigh Rescue Mission–Women's Division, Multiple Sclerosis, March of Dimes, Cued Speech Center and the Committee responsible for the seed funding to establish the North Carolina Zoo. She enjoyed Quota International of Raleigh for many years. She also served as International President of Quota International, Inc. which had clubs in fourteen countries.

Interesting clubs and groups that she enjoyed were The Executives Club of Raleigh, Carolina Country Club, The Travelers Century Club, Circumnavigators Club, Explorers Club and Club International Des Grands Voyageurs. Lynn was also a member of the Most Traveled People, where she was for many years the most traveled woman in the world. Lynn traveled to over five hundred locations around the world and to all United Nations Countries.

At Lynn's request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. There will be a celebration of her life at a future date.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County, 701 N. Raleigh Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27610 or online at www.wakebgc.org

Arrangements in the care of Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC.