Donald Brooks “Don” Stephenson, age 80,  of Southport, NC, went on to be with our Lord in Heaven on Sunday, December 29, 2024, from Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, NC.

Don was born on March 24, 1944, in Johnston County, NC to Mary Katherine Easom Stephenson and Willard Junius Stephenson.

Don loved his Lord, his family, his life, and always maintained a positive attitude. He loved talking to and being with people, and he never met a stranger. That attribute served him well in his many years in sales, primarily in the automotive sales business. Don owned and operated Southport’s Alpha Auto Sales for over 25 years—the last 15 years in collaboration with his daughter, Paula. He was forever trying to make those around him laugh and he made you feel loved even if you had just met. He was always willing to help others and truly had a heart of gold. He helped establish and operate the Food Pantry at his church, Love of Christ in Bolivia, NC, where he was also an elder. He also helped to establish and support the associated Love of Christ School in Haiti. Don was a wonderful and loving husband, “Daddy”, “Papa”, uncle, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Don is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 62 years: Ann Taylor Stephenson; daughter: Paula S. Talley (Monty) of Belville, NC; grandson: Stephen Talley of Wilmington, NC; special nephew: Frankie Taylor of Selma, NC; and sister-in-law: Joan Stephenson (wife of Edward Carter Stephenson) of Waterville, NY. He is also survived by many more nieces and nephews, as well as their children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Don is preceded in death by his brothers: Edward Carter Stephenson and James Oscar Stephenson.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 10:00 – 10:45 AM at the Brunswick Funeral Service Chapel, 3479 Southport-Supply Road in Bolivia, NC. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with Rev. Ronald Smith officiating. The graveside service and burial will be at 3:00 PM (the same day) in Crocker Cemetery, 1945 Pine Level Selma Road, Selma, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to support the Food Pantry at Love of Christ Church, P. O. Box 318, Bolivia, NC 28422.