WILMINGTON — Stella Murray Honeycutt, age 98, of Champions at the Davis Community, Porters Neck Village, Wilmington, NC passed peacefully from her earthly life on Saturday, March 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born March 15, 1927 in Pender County, Stella was the only child of the late John Haywood and Stella Rooks Murray of Watha in Pender County. A graduate of Penderlea High School, she received a Batchelor of Arts Degree in Home Economics from East Carolina Teachers College (East Carolina University), Greenville, NC. Upon graduation, Stella was an assistant home economics extension agent in Wilson, NC. There she met her future husband, Joseph Newman Honeycutt, an assistant agricultural extension agent.
After working together two years in Wilson, Joe and Stella married and moved to Burgaw Where Joe was the Director of Pender County Agricultural Extension Office for 26 years. Stella and Joe were married 62 years and had three children, Joe N. Honeycutt, Jr. (Lyn) of Greenville, NC, Joyce H. Wooten (Allen) of Burgaw, and John W. Honeycutt (Deborah) of Hampstead. In additional to her three children, Stella is survived by five grandchildren, Michelle Lynn Honeycutt of Seattle, WA, Blair Honeycutt of Wilmington, Holly H. Maxson (Corey) of Wilmington, Wesley A. Wooten of Wilmington, and Natalie W. Henderson (John) of Mount Pleasant, SC; and five great-grandchildren, Henry Robert Henderson, Elizabeth Marvin Henderson, Louise Carrington Henderson, John Irvin Henderson, Jr. and River Edward Maxson.
Upon moving to Burgaw, Stella chose to be a stay-at-home mother and raise their three children. She was also involved in school and church activities and was a Cub Scout leader. A life-long Methodist, Stella was a charter member of United Methodist Women and President of the Suzannah Wesley Circle of Burgaw United Methodist Church and a member of the choir.
In 1965, Stella resumed her career as a home economics teacher in New Hanover County and retired in 1977. She and Joe then moved to Hampstead to enjoy retirement on the Intracoastal Waterway. Together, they enjoyed traveling, gardening, fishing, and their grandchildren. They joined Hampstead United Methodist Church. There, Stella continued her dedication to the church as a choir member, pianist, Alter Guild Chairperson, Worship Chairperson, and a Stephen Minister. She also worked with students at Topsail Elementary School to improve their reading skills.
In 2006, Stella and Joe moved to Plantation Village in Porters Neck now Porters Neck Village. Along with her continued church work, she became active in Plantation Village serving as the West Side Hospitality Chair, which included greeting new residents, and assisting with The Friendly Visitors Programs at Davis Community and Champions Assisted Living to help bring a bit of joy to residents.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church, Watha Christian Church for the alter flower fund, PO Box 236, Burgaw, NC 28425, or to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
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