On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, as we enter the Advent Season of Rejoicing and Hope, Joe John Stephenson peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior. Surrounded by his adoring family, they shared a very special time of heartfelt goodbyes and gratitude for his life.
Born on June 11, 1932, Joe was the son of the late James William and Lola W. Stephenson. He graduated from Mount Zion Institute in 1950 and Davidson College in 1954, where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He then joined the army, serving two years abroad before beginning a career with McKesson Robbins. While traveling with this job, he met the love of his life on a blind date – the late Alita Tomlinson Stephenson. They married in 1960 and enjoyed 54 wonderful years of joy and affection.
After the birth of their two children, the couple moved to Winnsboro, SC, where Joe ran his own hardware store for many years. He later served as Director and Founder of the Fairfield County Disabilities and Special Needs Board. A member of Sion Presbyterian Church, Joe honorably served his Savior as a Sunday School Teacher, Choir member, Deacon and Elder. He also served as a loyal member of the Lions club, the Pine Tree Players, and the Richard Winn Booster club. With the unique ability to fix or repair almost anything, Joe loved to “tinker” – especially at his beloved Lake Wateree home.
Joe will always be remembered for his unwavering faith, his kindness towards others, his beautiful blue eyes, and his wonderful tenor voice which he shared with so many at church services, funerals, weddings, and other special occasions.
Predeceased by his loving wife, Joe is survived by two children, Laurie Stephenson James (Jack), Joe Stephenson, Jr. (Nancy); four grandchildren, Evans James (Carter), Stephanie James Gould (Phillip), Joseph Stephenson, and Connor Stephenson; and two great-granddaughters with a third on the way.
Joe is also survived by two brothers, Jim Stephenson (Ivor), Bob Stephenson, and their families.
The family would like to thank Teresa Cason and Harriett Young, as well as the staff at the Gardens at Eastside for the love and beautiful care they showered upon Joe.
A celebration of life was held at Sion Presbyterian Church in Winnsboro, SC on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2:30 pm with a burial following in the church cemetery. The family greeted friends at the church following the burial.
Memorials may be sent to Sion Presbyterian Church, 116 W. Washington Street, Winnsboro, SC 29180 or to the Fairfield County Disabilities and Special Needs Board, PO Box 637, Winnsboro, SC, 29180.
Cannon Byrd Funeral Home, Simpsonville and Pope Funeral Home, Winnsboro are assisting the family.
