Mary Thompson Stephenson

Mary Thompson Stephenson, 88, a resident of Brandon Oaks, Roanoke, Va., passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 19, 2009. Mary was born on November 29, 1921, in Wilson, N.C., to the late Lonnie and Mattie Thompson. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Robert E. Stephenson; son, Thomas R. Stephenson and wife, Amy, of Bishop, Calif.; daughter, Barbara S. Ayers and husband, Randy, of Raleigh, N.C.; grandchildren, Bronwyn and Logan Stephenson, and Hudson and Cory Ayers. Mary received a bachelor of science in education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and a master of arts in education from Columbia University. Mary taught and coached at Roanoke Rapids High School, the National Cathedral School, Pembroke College in Brown University, Guilford College, and Hollins College. She was a devoted mother and loving wife. Mary especially enjoyed dancing and playing tennis and bridge with friends. Mary was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Roanoke and formerly of Christ Episcopal Church in Blacksburg. The funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. on Monday, December 21, 2009, by the Reverend Barkley Thompson at Oakey's South Chapel, 4257 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service and a reception will immediately follow the service. The graveside service will be held at Maplewood Cemetery (252-243-3386) in Wilson, N.C., on Tuesday, December 22, 2009. The family requests that memorials be sent to Hollins University, P.O. Box 9629, Roanoke, Va. 24020 or St. John's Episcopal Church, 1 Mountain Ave., Roanoke, Va. 24016.