Jessie Stephens dedicated 50 years of service to UNC Health Southeastern , retiring in 2008 as a laboratory technician and chief of chemistry . Her career began on July 1, 1958 , and over the decades, she became a beloved and respected figure in the hospital community. Reflecting years of service at her retirement, she shared, "One of the most important things in life is to enjoy your job." To her, the hospital was more than just a workplace – it was a second home.

In 1956, she graduated from Orrum High School as the class valedictorian. In 1988, she earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from UNC Pembroke , a testament to her lifelong love of learning. After retirement, she devoted her time to caring for her mother, Marie Collins, who lived to be just 11 days shy of 101 years old.

A lifelong member of Orrum Baptist Church , Jessie was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, sharing her faith and wisdom with generations of students. She also served her community in civic leadership, holding a longstanding position on the Orrum Town Council . In 2013, she was elected Mayor through write-in votes, a role she accepted reluctantly until the incumbent mayor recovered from illness, as she never considered herself a political figure.

Public service was a legacy in her family – her beloved husband, Wilton Stephens , served as Orrum's mayor , until his passing on March 9, 1979 . In a remarkable and poignant turn of fate Jessie passed away on the morning of March 10, 2025, 46 years later.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Johnson (Perry) of McFarlan, NC ; her son, Phillip Stephens (Gina) of Fairmont, NC ; and her three grandsons: Matthew Stephens of Fayetteville, NC, Andrew Stephens of Washington, D.C., and Stephen Johnson (Sarah) of McFarlan, NC. She is also survived by her sister, Milla Grey Leggette of Rowland, NC and her aunt, Eloise Bullock of Lumberton, NC.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Bud Collins and Marie Britt Collins, and her husband, Wilton Stephens .

Jessie's kindness, dedication, and unwavering faith left an indelible mark on her family, her community, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed.

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 1:00-2:00PM at Orrum Baptist Church.

A funeral service will follow the visitation on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2:00PM with Pastor Gary Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Floyd Memorial Cemetery in Fairmont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove, either online through their official website, giving.billygraham.org, or by mail: 1 Porters Cove Road, Asheville, NC 28805 (Make checks payable to "BGEA" and designate "The Cove" in the memo line.); or to Orrum Baptist Church, P.O. Box 51, Orrum, NC 28369.