Irvin Lee Stephens Sr.

"Beloved Mayor Succumbs" COMO, NC - Irvin Lee Stephens, Sr., 84, passed away peacefully, in his home on Thursday, January 08, 2026. Born on August 23,1941, mayor Stephens resided in Como, NC for almost 80 years. He was preceded by his father Paul Stephens of Como, his mother Bertha Griffin of Franklin and his grandson Troy Justin Stephens.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sherrie Harrell Stephens, son Irvin Stephens, Jr. and wife Robin of Sedley, VA, daughters; Amy Staton of Como, Holly Stephens (Chris Harmon) of Ahoskie, and Jenny Boyd and husband Bobby of Franklin, VA., 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Sisters; Sylvia Bryant of Aulander, Rose Kennington of Harrellsville, and Shirley Blythe and husband Keith of Courtland, VA.
Irvin served in the U.S. Navy as a Radar Technician aboard the USS Stormes (DD-780) from 1958-1961. He worked as a pipefitter for International Paper and retired after 39 years of service. After retiring from International Paper, Irvin ran and won the election for Mayor and after winning several elections, he served as mayor for the town of Como for 20 years. Irvin was a member of Buckhorn Baptist Church and served as a Deacon there. He served as an Emergency Medical Technician on Como Fire & Rescue for over 30 years; 15 years of that service as President. He was a proud member of Como Ruritan Club for over 40 years, where he held many offices and received several awards, both local and national.
Irvin spent most of his life serving his community. He loved his family, friends, and his country, especially our Veterans. He and other friends would use county maps to search for and find Veteran graves in the town of Como. Some alongside the narrow paths, in the local wooded areas, or in or alongside the open fields. Before his illness, he and others would find the graves and every Veterans Day, would place flags on every one of them. They would also clean off several of the overgrown graves.
Irvin didn't just serve the people of his community as an EMT, Mayor, or Deacon; he was a friend. He cut grass for those in the town who could not. He would take many for doctor visits, take them to get groceries, or pick up at the pharmacy. He used to cut grass on both sides of Hwy 258 through the town limits and then joke with his friends who worked for the county, telling them that he would be sending them a bill.
Irvin owned a small garage in Como and would help neighbors and family fix their cars. He was a huge race fan. As a young man, he raced figure eight racetracks. Later he purchased a race car, and his son raced it at Southampton Speedway, winning a division championship. His favorite race car driver was Dale Earnhardt and later Dale Jr.
Irvin loved his church, his church community, and church music. His favorite song from the adult choir of Buckhorn Baptist Church was "Let's Go Down to the River and Pray". His wife Sherrie, children's choir director, said that if Irvin had his way, the children would sing "This Train" every Sunday.
He loved fishing with family and friends, with tales of him catching the most or the biggest. He was a prankster and loved to joke. There was nothing he loved more than teasing his three sisters, just as he did when they were all children. Sisters that he loved and adored. Irvin loved his family. His wife, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was so proud of them all. Above all, he loved his God, to whom he always gave the glory. Irvin's family, church, and friends stood by him during his illness, always there to lend a helping hand. He relied heavily on Pastor Bob Deacon during his illness. Pastor Bob and his wife Jane were always there to help our family through the darkest of days. Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have aided us during the trying time, with their kindness and thoughtfulness. Basically, Irvin died as he lived., surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him.
A Celebration of Life service will be on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Buckhorn Baptist Church in Como, NC. The family will receive friends for visitation and viewing, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm with the Celebration of Life beginning at 2:00 pm at the church. A private family graveside service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions directly to Como Fire and Rescue,1201 US Hwy 258 North, Como, NC 27818 or online by clicking here; or directly to Buckhorn Baptist Church, Elevator Fund, PO Box 67, Como, NC 27818 or online by clicking here.
Online condolences can be made at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements were trusted to Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro, NC.
The service will be live streamed (see link under "Events" then "Celebration of Life"). The stream will begin a few minutes prior to service. In the event there are technical difficulties, the service will be recorded and upload to the obituary. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Irvin, please visit our floral store.