Pauline Fox Stephens

Pauline Fox Stephens, a lifelong resident of Burke County, NC, passed away Saturday, June 4 following a period of declining health. Pauline was born on December 29, 1922 to I.L. Fox and Mary Lowman Fox of Morganton, N.C.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ned E. Stephens, her middle son Roger Lee Stephens, brother Bennett Fox and two sisters—Charlotte Fox Lambert and Edna Fox.

Her surviving family include two sons: Gary Stephens of Bernalillo, NM and Ronald Stephens of Drexel, NC; three grandchildren:  Amy Overbay of Stanley, NC, Peter Stephens of Liberty Hill, TX and Matthew Stephens of Chicago, IL; and four great grandchildren.

Following graduation from Morganton High School Mrs. Stephens entered the workforce, married, and after a hiatus created by WWII, began her family.  She lived a full and balanced life, loving her family and rearing three exuberant young boys—each of whom would graduate from university with distinction.  She also worked outside the home through the years as opportunities permitted.  She began as a “skilled Telex operator” for Western Union, transitioned to a position in the medical office of Dr. Kibler-- and years later completed her working career at Grace Hospital in medical records.  She was also active in “church work” through those years as she supported her husband as a deacon and later as a lay evangelist.  As the years progressed she would serve in other roles including recording secretary, visiting the sick and shut-ins and assisting with food at Vacation Bible School. Perhaps her most enduring role was co-chairing the High Peak Baptist Church funeral food program which provides meals to families when a loved one has passed --thus reminding grieving families they are loved and remembered by the body of Christ.  She faithfully served in this position until she was no longer able to drive at age 90. This week she has completed life’s great circle.  The race has been won by a good and faithful servant.  As her family and friends we already miss her dearly, but we are confident that her life of faith has earned an eternal reward.

Graveside rites will be held at Burke Memorial Park at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 11.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.

We are greatly indebted to the years of loving care which they provided to our mother.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.