Malla Goble Duncan Stephens

Malla Goble Duncan Stephens, 86, of Autumn Care of Drexel died Friday, February 13, 2009 at her residence following a period of declining health. She was born February 5, 1923 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Oscar Goble and Nell Baker Goble. Malla was a member of the Drexel First Baptist Church.She is survived by her husband, Jack Stephens of the home; and grandchildren, Susan Schwind and Cindy Randolph, both of Morganton, NC, Johanna Starrett of Knoxville, TN, and Jennifer Drum of Hickory, NC; and ten great-grandchildren.In addition to her parents, Malla was preceded in death by a son, O. Allen Duncan; a daughter, Olivia Lynn Duncan Proffitt; and a great-grandson, Reston Lee Drum.Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Don Smith officiating. A private interment will be held at Drexel Memorial Park at a later date. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Cindy and Tom Randolph on Bost Road in Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.