Stephen Charles Bath

Stephen Charles Bath, 59, died peacefully on April 1st, 2025 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. He lived a life full of joy, laughter, and friendship.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at 12:30 PM at Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church located at 510 S Washington St., Greenville, NC 27858. A reception at the church will follow. A graveside service will take place at Pinewood Memorial Park after the reception; all family and friends are welcome to attend.
Stephen was born on August 4th, 1965 in Wichita, Kansas to Charles and Joanne Bath. Shortly after he was born, Stephen's family moved to Greenville, North Carolina where he spent the majority of his life. He made life-long friends while attending Elmhurst Elementary School, E.B. Aycock Middle School, and Junius H. Rose High School. After graduating high school, Stephen attended East Carolina University where he earned a degree in political science and was a member of Lambda Chi Fraternity.
During his childhood, Stephen was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Throughout adulthood, he continued to pursue his faith as a member of Jarvis United Methodist Church. Stephen's heart was full when he was behind the drum set, out in the woods, or on the boat. He enjoyed phone calls with his children, spending summers at Atlantic Beach, and training his dog Scout. He will be remembered for his genuine personality, his sense of humor, and his easy-going nature.
A dedicated professional and entrepreneur, Stephen served Eastern North Carolina as an insurance broker for almost forty years. In 2001, he started Bath Insurance & Financial Services where he built lasting relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
Stephen shared an incredible fourteen years with his loving significant other, Paige Lanier. Together they enjoyed dancing, going out to dinner, and spending time with their many friends. He considered his greatest accomplishment to be his three children – Austin, Annalise, and Meredith – whom he loved more than anything. He also embraced Paige's daughter, Megan, as his own. Stephen recently welcomed Logan Dimatteo as a son-in-law, and he looked forward to officially welcoming Jessica Butterfield as his daughter-in-law.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Joanne. He was a beloved brother to Pamela Kelly (and husband Rob), Patricia Hancock (and husband Frank), and Andrea Moore (and husband Kent). His love also extended to his many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.
Stephen was grateful for the care he received during his time at Duke University Hospital. While undergoing both of his bone marrow transplants, staff fondly referred to him as the "The Mayor." We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the cancer center for treating Stephen like family.
We encourage family and friends to join the National Bone Marrow Registry in Stephen's honor. This can be done by texting SwabForStephen to 61474.
Stephen shared many happy moments with his family and friends. Though his life was cut short, his legacy of love and resilience lives on. May his memory bring comfort to all those whom he encountered.