Linda Wilson Stephenson

Benson, NC: Mrs. Linda Wilson Stephenson, age 85, of Sanders Road passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at her home peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Memorial Services will be 12:00PM-Friday, June 27, 2025 at Providence Presbyterian Church in Benson. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Mrs. Stephenson was born on February 18, 1940 in New York to the late Robert Letchworth Wilson and Linda “Penny” Collens Wilson.

Linda grew up in Buffalo, NY as the oldest of 4 sisters. Her post high school education included Bradford Junior College and a BA at the University of Buffalo. Among her early accolades were the “Sharpshooter” Award of the Buffalo Gun Club and being a member of the euphonious Cricket Band…any one who knew her knew she could “belt a line like Patsy Cline.” Once she met Shelby, her true passion continued to be music, as they would sing together any chance they had, with Sheb on his guitar, Nin on her ukelele. When she didn’t have her uke or harmonica in hand, Nin would have her red ink pen as she was “editor in chief” of Sheb’s poetry; she was his toughest critic. Later, when Jacob and Kate were born, the four of them would tour the country in their RV, stopping at campgrounds to enjoy the sights and sounds. They would drive in the RV up to Buffalo twice a year, in summer and in winter, to visit her sisters and her parents and enjoy the beautiful nature of the amazing farm where she grew up. She loved birds and loved to watch them, especially with Sheb over morning coffee or evening sunsets at the Plankhouse. Nin was her happiest when she was with her family…her sisters, her children, and her grandchildren…and especially when music was in the air.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Shelby Dean Stephenson; children, Jacob Stephenson and wife, Angie; Kate Stephenson Whittington and husband, John; grandchildren, Kayleigh Bowman, Nolan Stephenson, Delanie Talkington, Charlie Stephenson, Mya Whittington, Nina Whittington, and Jay Whittington; sisters, Terry Vaughan, Marnie Kerr, and Hopie Hawkins and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to EPIC: Every Person Influences Children — https://www.epicforchildren.org

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC.