Obituary of Joseph Stephens

Joseph Cecil Stephens, 82, of Raleigh, died Monday morning, May 2, 2011 at his home.

Funeral Service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday at Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Montlawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 Noon - 1 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service.

A native of Wake County, Joseph was retired from Southern Bell after 43 years of dedicated service. He was a charter member of Fellowship Baptist Church, was an avid gardener and took great pride in the appearance of his yard.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Peggy Johnson Stephens; daughter, Ann S. Duncan of Raleigh; son, C. Wayne Stephens of Chadds Ford, PA; grandsons, Christopher J. Duncan (Bonnie) of Willow Spring, Michael Duncan, Jeffrey Duncan (Catharine Ward), all of Raleigh; great grandchildren, Caroline and Carson Duncan of Willow Spring; sisters, Annie Lou Groth of Newport, WA, Elsie Tedford of Kent Island, MD and Peggy Jones of Raleigh. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Bland Stephens and Mills Stephens and sisters, Hazel Austin and Gwen Parrish.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 3200 Atlantic Ave., Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, N.C. Condolences may be made at www.montlawn.com