Christine Windley Stephenson, 99, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 28, 2025. Until the very end, she remained active, energetic and engaged. She was a remarkable example of aging with grace and beauty.

She was born in Nash County, NC on January 24, 1926, the sixth child of Henry and Annie Windley.  She was a spirited and bright child. Throughout her life, she always lived on her own terms.

She attended nursing school and focused on obstetrics. It was while in nursing school that she met Gilbert Stephenson, whom she would marry a few years later. On their first date, he told her, "You're the girl I'm going to marry." They wed in 1947 and enjoyed a loving marriage of more than 60 years.

They settled in Rocky Mount, NC where their 5 children were born. In the mid 60s, the family moved to Lumberton, NC, where she enjoyed a successful career as a registered nurse. For the last decade of her career, she managed the dispensary at the Converse Shoe factory in Lumberton.  She was known for getting her grandchildren the newest Converse sneakers before they were widely available.

Mrs. Stephenson loved sports and was an avid golfer, continuing to play after she turned 90 years old. She won the Guys and Gals Tournament at Pine Crest Country Club in 2010, when she was 84 years old. She was also a passionate follower of UNC sports, spending many a Saturday afternoon rooting Dean Smith and Roy Williams to victory.

She was a most devoted and supportive mother. Her love for her family … children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren … knew no bounds. She was famous for her chocolate chip cookies and her jar of candy in the kitchen by the sink.

She lived a rich, full life and will be missed dearly by her family. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Gilbert, and their son, Bert. She is survived by Bert's wife, Linda Stephenson; daughter, Anne Branch (Carroll); daughter, Amy Fleishman (Ken); son, Bill (Mike Cobb); and son, David (Lyn Jackson); and grandchildren: Lou Stephenson (Susan); Matt McLean (Liz); Ashley Ausman (Tom); Bret Stephenson (Peggy); Sara Fleishman; Rebecca Fleishman (Alex Fanaroff); and Kat Stephenson (Danny Kohler). Mrs. Stephenson also had 15 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on January 10, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church, 1002 N. Chestnut St., Lumberton, NC

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on January 10, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church, 1002 N. Chestnut St., Lumberton, NC 28358.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to First Presbyterian Church or Wesley Pines in Lumberton, NC.