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Stephen Flournoy Obituary

Stephen Alexander Flournoy
Raleigh
Stephen Alexander Flournoy passed away peacefully on August 13, 2012. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends, laughing and doing things that he loved.
Stephen's life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by him, understood the quality of existence far exceeds quantity of time in which you live. His infectious smile could melt the hearts of those around him and though he never spoke a word, his voice and thoughts could always be heard.
Although Stephen's disability made him appear frail, he possessed strength, perseverance, the ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges. With his courage, he led us to believe that each day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories. He was a clear reminder everyday of God's abundant love. He loved reading books, playing with balls and bubbles, playing fetch with his dog, Bella, and cuddling with those he loved so much. Stephen's favorite color was Carolina blue, he loved watching his family dance, play on the Wii, playing baseball with the Miracle League of the Triangle, and being with his friends at school. He spent his summers at the pool and at Holden Beach; loving the freedom that being in the water gave him.
With Stephen's passing we remind others that his life is one to be celebrated, although we will miss him every day, especially his contagious laugh, he will always remain forever in our hearts. Through his teaching about life, we were able to create wonderful memories with our family and friends. We are so thankful for the undeniable bond between Stephen and his sister Lily Gray; she will forever hold dear the memories of her sweet older brother.
Stephen leaves behind so many loved ones. From his wonderful teachers at Cary Elementary school, to his loving caregivers, to his always encouraging therapist, and his devoted Sunday School teachers and church community; all who provided love and support that enhanced his quality of life.
Stephen is survived by his loving parents, Stephen and Julie Flournoy; his adoring sister, Lily Gray Flournoy; his maternal grandparents Jerry and Nancy Long; nine Aunts and Uncles and eight cousins.
Services will be held at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh, NC on Thursday August 16,2012. The visitation will begin at 9:30am followed by the memorial service at 11am. There will be a burial service following the memorial at Montlawn Memorial Park.
The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either: Hayes Barton United Methodist Church 2209 Fairview Rd. Raleigh, NC 27608 or UNC Children's Promise CB#7237, 88 Vilcom Circle, McClamroch Hall, LL 100 Chapel Hill, NC 27599.
www.brownwynne.com

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Published by The News & Observer on Aug. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Flournoy

Not sure what to say?





Melissa Pollard

September 4, 2012

Juli and Yogi, I am sorry to hear of your loss however so happy to see that Stephen held such a deep passion for life and helped others to see that passion too. God blessed you with an angel that blessed everyone with his presence for a short time but left a stamp on many individuals for even longer. May God bless you and yours through the celebration of this beautiful angel's life.

Robin Bridges

August 20, 2012

Julie and Yogi...so very sorry to hear of your loss. Stephen touched so many lives and Lauren still talks about him often. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Fondly,
Mark, Robin and Lauren Bridges

Brenda Odum

August 19, 2012

Dear Julie,
I am a friend of your mothers and for years have enjoyed seeing pictures
of your two beautiful children. I am very sorry to hear the news about Steven.
The strength and love you and your family have shown is an inspiration. You set an example of a devoted, caring family that everyone should follow.My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Sincerely Brenda Odum

Tom Steele

August 19, 2012

Julie and family- We are so sorry to hear about Stephen. May the Lord bless and comfort you all.

Tom, Kim, William & John Charles Steele

Kellyanne Simons

August 17, 2012

Julie, Yogi and Lily Gray,
I'm so sorry for all the pain you are feeling now. I was never lucky enough to have met Stephen, but know what a special, loving boy he was. Even through pictures, his smile radiated. You're all in my prayers.

Melanie Duncan

August 17, 2012

Julie and Family, what a wonderful obituary on Stephen! I am so, so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Kelli Schenck

August 16, 2012

Dearest Flournoy Family,
I was in the presence of all of you, as well as Stephen, this morning, and I am in awe and deeply touched by the unity of family to which he belonged. The slide show touched me beyond words displayed by love, activity, perseverance, and family togetherness. All of you should stand so proud, as heaven has gained a shining angel. Memories are forever, and I know all of you have many to treasure. The gift of a child is a miracle from God, and he has called one gift "to come home". My many thoughts and prayers are with your family, and I trust that in the days to come, you all may find inner peace, as you see your shining star smiling upon you. The Flournoy family is one to be admired---your love and dedication is what molded Stephen to be the beautiful child he is and was. His smile will always bring sunshine to my world.

August 16, 2012

Julie, Yogi, Lily Gray, I still have the picture of Stephen on the pumpkin; how precious he was in that picture. I'm so happy that you have such great memories you can tell he was dearly loved by everyone who knew him. I know he was a blessing to all your family. Just seeing his smile in the picture, says it all. "Loved by you all!" Thoughts and prayers are there for you always.
Vivian / Raleigh, NC

Riley Dulaney

August 16, 2012

Stephen will be dearly missed by all of his friends and family. I believe that he is swimming ,running , well basically everything eleven year olds would do. I will miss that smile

Mike Boyd

August 16, 2012

I never met Stephen but I heard a lot about him over the years. My wife, Betty Boyd, was one of his teachers and she always told me Stephen stories -- how much she admired him and loved him. He will be missed; he touched and helped so many people.

Kim Franklin

August 16, 2012

Julie and family,
What a beautiful tribute to your son! My deepest sympathy for his passing, may God give you comfort in knowing he is taking care of Stephen in heaven. Love and prayers for your peace and comfort.

Kelly Lewis

August 16, 2012

Oh Julie-I am thinking of you and your entire family and praying for comfort during this sad time. Stephen means so much to so many and as you remember the happy times with him, may the tears eventually give way to smiles. I love you, Kelly Jo Fulbright Lewis

Eddie Faw

August 16, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss! Alex Greene is my grandson and I totally understand your love for Stephen and his affect on your lives. May God comfort each of your family!

Darren Cross

August 16, 2012

I am glad to have had the opportunity to coach Stephen in baseball. He brought real joy to the team and will be missed!

Jim and Beth Scruggs

August 16, 2012

Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

August 15, 2012

Dear Flournoy Family, I know Karen, Robert, Aubrey, and Laura, Karen spoke about Stephen often. I know about CP since I've had it all my life. It gives me
great comfort and I hope this comforts you, right now Stephen is in heaven with
karen's dog Jeter. Stephen is completely whole. His body is beautiful. He is
watching you all saying CELEBRATE MY LIFE.and know that Iam as light as a
fealter playing catch with Jeter. I am at peace and you should be too. I have come home. RIP Stephen,
God Bless,
Monica and Jerry Benziger
Raleigh, NC

Candy Riggs

August 15, 2012

Yogi, Julie, and Lily Gray: May Jesus (the comforter) wrap his arms around you and hold you just as you held special Stephen for 11 years. Your family is so very special to so many others. Please know that our hearts go out to you as we lift you up in prayer each and every day. Take one day at a time and remember Jesus said "He would NEVER leave us NOR forsake us". God Bless you and keep you.

Raymond Sanchez

August 15, 2012

Dear Flournoy Family,
My deepest sympathies, wishing you serenity, comfort, and peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Julia Simmons

August 15, 2012

God bless your precious little angel.

Suzanne Templeton

August 15, 2012

Julie and Yogi and LG, a beautiful tribute to a beautiful angel.

Vickie Gresham

August 15, 2012

Julie,Yogi and Lily Gray,
I'm so sorry to hear about the passings of our Stephen. He was such a sweetheart with a warm smile that would light up a room. I'm so thankful for the time I got to spend with Stephen in ESY this summer. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Stacy Wilson

August 15, 2012

To the Flourney Family,
I am a kindergarten teacher assistant at Cary Elementary and always loved to see Steven's smile in the cafeteria, halls, or the classroom. There were times when I would go to his classroom and he was always the light of the room. Your words were beautiful and I hope it brings you some peace to know he was loved by so many.

Jan Ritchie

August 15, 2012

Dear Flournoy family, My sympathies. My brother is Jay Joyner. Thinking of u extra !

Jenna Tracy

August 15, 2012

Julie, our prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I learned much from you in hearing how Stephen added to and enriched all of your lives. He was indeed a blessing but was also truly blessed to have such an amazing family who loved him so endlessly and held him so dear. Here if you need us.....

Megan Izzo

August 15, 2012

Dear Flournoy Family,
I'm a Miracle League volunteer who got the precious opportunity to meet and work with Stephen last year. I wanted to let you know that though I didn't know him long, he touched my life and I'll never forget his smile. I'm very sorry for your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing Stephen with me.

Lynn Bagwell

August 15, 2012

Mr. and Mrs. Flournoy,

We were so sorry to hear of Stephen's passing. It was a joy and privilege to have known him and to have served him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Tom Powell and Lynn Bagwell

August 15, 2012

Dear Julie, The love you have for that beautiful little boy came through in your obituary. I am so sorry for your loss I will pray for you in your healing Pat Cashman

August 15, 2012

We were so sad to hear about Stephen. You all are in our thought and prayers.
Love, Diana and Paul Riske

Pam Wilkes

August 15, 2012

Julie,
I am a friend of Leslie's from Georgia and over the years Leslie has told me what a joy Stephen is to her family and what a wonderful mom you have been. The obituary said it all, what a lovely tribute. May God's blessings be with you and your precious family.

August 15, 2012

Dear Flournoy Family,

We were very sorry to hear about the loss of Stephen. While we didn't know him well we always enjoyed our run ins at the therapy pool. Stephen's laugh was quite contagious. Josh would almost always start to laugh when he heard Stephen, especially when Stephen was laughing at something that he found funny. Boys will be boys. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Dawn Selby (Josh Werner's mom)

Debbie Dodd

August 15, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Kirk and Tammi Dittmar

August 15, 2012

Dear Flournoy Family. We are very sorry for your loss. Although we had not been involved with The Miracle League of the Triangle last year, our lives were blessed by Stephen and his courage. Lilly Gray's angelic voice and song will always be special too as she sang her heart out during the National Anthem and the smile on her face as she helped her brother score his runs. Thank you for sharing both of them with us. Love, Kirk and Tammi Dittmar

Mark Healy

August 15, 2012

Yogi,
I'm very sorry to hear about Stephen. I'm keeping you & your family in my thoughts. Take care.

Frankie Frink

August 15, 2012

Stephen will always be Matthew's buddy. We love you all dearly.

August 15, 2012

Dear Flournoy Family,

Our son, Landon, has played with the Miracle League many seasons, and I just became aware of your loss from the Miracle League posting. I want you to know our family is praying for you and your loss. What a wonderful blessing and testimony Stephen was. As a mom with special needs child, only parents with special needs kiddos can understand what true joy that they add to the lives of others. God gives them a special way of touching others hearts and lives. May the Lord give you peace and comfort through his Holy Spirit during this time. The Lloyd family

Barbara Dunn

August 14, 2012

Dear Julie, Yogi,and Lily Gray,
I will never forget the first time I babysat for Stephen and held him on a pillow. I loved the way, as he got bigger, how he loved to cuddle and sleep for hours against my chest. What special memories of a beautiful boy. I was blessed to be a small part of his life. Our loss is heaven's gain where he is arms more comforting than ours and is being loved so dearly. Thank you God that Stephen graced our lives. Julie, Yogi and Lily Gray you are a special family. Love you, Muzzy

August 14, 2012

Julie,
What a beautifully written obituary. I wish I had gotten a chance to know Stephen better. My thoughts and deeply-felt prayers are with you and your family now and in the days and weeks to come.

Sincerely, Katie Davenport (Holly's mom)

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