Lora Smith Stephens

Lora Smith Stephens, 95, born September 1, 1930, in Bladen County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, at Wesley Pines Community in Lumberton, North Carolina. She was a beloved mother, wife, grandmother, and sister whose life was marked by unwavering love, commitment to family, and deep faith.

Lora dedicated over twenty-nine years of her career as an insurance supervisor for Waccamaw Bank, where her diligent work and dedication earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Despite her professional accomplishments, it was Lora's role as a loving mother and grandmother that she cherished most. She was known as a steadfast comforter and caretaker, always willing to move mountains to ensure the happiness and well-being of her family.

Her passion for gardening reflected her nurturing spirit; she found joy in her flowers and spent many peaceful moments tending to her immaculate yard, which became her happy place. Lora's faith played a central role in her life, and she was deeply involved in her church community. For many years, she served not only as a Sunday School Teacher but also as Church Clerk for the West Bladenboro Baptist Church. Her devotion to her church family was a testament to her caring nature and strong belief in community service.

Lora leaves behind a loving family, including her son, Michael Stephens and his wife Pam; daughters, Camilla Rogers and her husband Rusty, and Becky McCleney and her husband Mitch. She is also survived by her sister, Arlene Yates, and numerous grandchildren: Stephen Pait, Bradley Pait, Ryan McCleney, Daniel Britt, Suzanne Bordeaux, Lauren Wayland, Taylor Robbins, Hannah Hunt, and Abby McCleney. In addition, Lora had the joy of witnessing the birth of her great-grandchildren: Marleigh Blake Robbins, John Noah Wayland, Leah Blake Wayland, Mary Ella Wayland, Mabry Britt, Jones Britt, Harper McCleney, Elijah McCleney, Luke McCleney, Paiton Bordeaux, Rylan Bordeaux, Triton Bordeaux, Lachlan Bordeaux, Augustus Bordeaux, Adelaide Bordeaux, Thaddeus Bordeaux, Magnolia Bordeaux, Henry Curtis Bordeaux and Kehlani Hunt.

Lora was preceded in death by her parents, Roland Smith and Mettie Hughes, her husband Darius Stephen, who she lovingly shared over fifty-five years of marriage with, and siblings Crance, Clarence, Estelle, and James.

A visitation with family will be held on December 7, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM at West Bladenboro Baptist Church, located at 703 Village St, Bladenboro, NC, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM.

Lora Smith Stephens will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and faith will continue to resonate within the hearts of her family and friends forever.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to West Bladenboro Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice in memory of Lora.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Wesley Pines Senior Retirement Community and Lower Cape Fear Lifecare Hospice Agencies for their compassionate care and support during this time.