BURGAW — Eleanor Everett Stephens, 87, died Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at Liberty Commons Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington.
She was born July 21, 1932, in Pender County, the daughter of the late John D. Everett II and Sarah Lockey Everett. Also remembered are her beloved husband, James “Jim” Stephens Jr.; infant daughter, Sarah Susan Stephens; brother, John D. Everett III; and brother-in-law, Lee Tatum, all who preceded Eleanor in death.
Eleanor is survived by her sister, Patricia “Pat” Tatum; sister-in-law, Sabra Nunalee; and many nieces and nephews, who all loved Eleanor and will miss her dearly.
After graduation in 1950 and not finding a job or a “husband,” Eleanor moved to Takoma Park, Maryland, and began working in a hospital laboratory. Later, she trained to become a certified histologic technician with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. She worked at the same hospital for over 20 years and later worked in cancer research for the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. In 1960, Eleanor met James “Jim” Stephens Jr., and they were married in 1962. She only had to move five blocks into his home, therefore, remained in the same area over 35 years. The “best move” they ever made was when they decided to retire in 1986 and move back to Eleanor’s hometown of Burgaw instead of Jim’s hometown of Crisfield, Maryland.
Eleanor enjoyed traveling, reading, seeing so many great classmates at class reunions, yearly family vacations at Carolina Beach; most of all, Eleanor loved and was devoted to her family.
The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, at Long Creek Baptist Church with funeral services following visitation at 2 p.m. The Rev. Wayne Bateman will conduct the service. Burial will follow in Malpass Memorial Cemetery at Long Creel Baptist Church. At other times, the family will be at the home of her sister, Pat Tatum.
Share online condolences with the family at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home.