Sally Jane Stephens

Sally Jane McCartney Stephens, 72, of Jamestown, North Carolina, passed away September 9, 2022, after a short illness, but not before leaving a rich legacy that embodied kindness, love, always a smile, and an appreciation of a good laugh. The world she created for her family and friends was a safe space and will continue with memories of her nurturing spirit, sense of comfort, and always a delicious meal, along with a treat. The many puppies that passed through her life were her joy, but there was no greater joy for than that provided by her children and grandchildren, a source of immeasurable pride.

Sally was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 11, 1950 to Howard James and Alma Keith McCartney. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Gary W. Stephens, her children GySgt Ben Stephens and his wife, Heather, of Snead’s Ferry, North Carolina and Emily Stephens Ward and her husband, Michael, of Greensboro, North Carolina. She is also survived by her two sisters, Marcy Trubey and her husband, Steve, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Christy McCartney and her husband, Richard Fritz, of Denver, Colorado. She leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Jan Milligan of Keller, Texas, Judy Grubbs of Dallas, Texas, and Jennifer Vidovich and her husband, John, of Charlottesville, Virginia. She was the loving grandmother, Lala, of her five grandchildren, McCartney Ward, Sallie Ward, Sawyer Ward, Madison Stephens, and Macklin Stephens. Her nieces and nephews are Elizabeth, Kimberly and Sam Trubey, Zoe and Theo Fritz, Mike and Brian Milligan, Sarah Lycans, Amanda Pedigo, Samantha Kapoutosos, and Alex Vidovich. Finally, she leaves behind two much-loved canine pets, Glenna Rose and Jethro Tully.

Sally grew up in Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School where she was a swimmer and member of the forensics team. This team was similar to the present day debate teams which Sally joined to overcome the fear of public speaking. She overcame it well enough to place number one in the state competition. Her interest in food and cooking began early as she also competed in cooking competitions and later went on to become a food judge for the State Fair of Texas. She also loved sharing her passion for cooking with children, working with them for many years in summer camps.

Sally earned her undergraduate degree in Nutrition with a minor in early childhood development, as well as a Masters degree in Nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she met her future husband, Gary. Sally was extremely intelligent and used her education wisely in many worthy careers. She taught nutrition to medical students at Duke University and to nursing students at the former Concord School of Nursing, while also working for the Head Start Program. She worked as a clinical dietician for the VA hospital in Salisbury, NC where she met many life-long friends. She was head of food services in both St. Paul and Methodists hospitals in Dallas, Texas. Sally attended medical school, while also utilizing her expertise in nutrition to serve AIDS patients at the AIDS Resource Center in Dallas. After working as the Head Food Service Director at St Marks School of Texas for 27 years Sally retired shortly before relocating back to North Carolina. Sally continued her life of service by volunteering for her grandchildren’s school, earning the title of Volunteer of the Month, and began a ‘new career’ providing pet services to local residents while making good friends.

Sally was so much more than these few words can express. She was extraordinarily kind, selfless, and a true example of a servant leader. She was a gifted listener. She loved well the people in her life, particularly her family, and she left each person better for having spent time with her. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed cooking for friends and family. She was a lover of animals and loved dogs, serving on the board of the North Texas Basset Hound Rescue and was a volunteer for the North Texas Irish Setter Rescue. Sally loved to garden and always had a book in her hands. She served and touched many lives and she will be remembered for leaving this world better than she found it. Sally will be deeply missed.

The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the professional and compassionate medical providers at Wesley Long Cone Hospital. A celebration of life will take place at 4504 Millpoint Lane, Greensboro, NC 27406 on November 19, 2022, from 3:00-5:00. The family would like to continue Sally’s legacy of kindness to both animals and humans through a foundation in her name. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Sally Jane Kindness Foundation, 4606 Hartsford Drive, Greensboro, NC 27406. For more information, go to Sally Jane Kindness Foundation on Facebook.