Mary Elizabeth Stephenson

Mary Elizabeth “Mary Lib” (Nance) Stephenson, 96, of Tampa, Florida returned to be with our Lord, Saturday, August 27th, 2022. We are sure she is dancing on streets of gold and singing “How Great Thou Art” in the throne room of God.

Born in Tampa, Florida on May 17th, 1926, Mary was a 9th-generation Floridian. She was the great-granddaughter of Thomas K. Spencer who served as Hillsborough County Sheriff. She also was the great-great-granddaughter of Crawford Parrish who established Parrish, Florida. Mary resided in the Tampa area most of her life. She was a Gasparilla debutant as well as a 1944 Plant High School graduate, cheer captain, and beauty queen. She then attended the University of South Carolina where she majored in fashion illustration and costume design. While there, she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority and was crowned queen of the naval ball.

In 1946, she met and married the love of her life, William Curry Stephenson Jr, an Army captain during World War 2. He catered to her love of dancing, dining, and golf. They were blessed to spend 52 years together, splitting their time between Tampa and Waynesville, North Carolina.

As a homemaker, she raised four wonderful children, Curry, Drayton, Mary, and Kelton. In her free time, she was actively involved in the TGH auxiliary, Merrymakers Club, and the Junior League of Tampa. She was an incredible homemaker, seamstress, sailor, fisherman, dancer, golfer, and bridge player. Not only was she fun and eager to explore, but Mary taught her children to love the outdoors just as she did. Other interests included painting and decorating anything and everything that would stand still long enough. Mary attended Hyde Park United Methodist Church while in Tampa and Longs Chapel of Lake Junaluska during the summer months.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, William Stephenson Jr (1998); oldest son, William Stephenson III (1990); sister, Martha “Bitsy” Robertson (2019); granddaughter, Michele Stephenson (2009); sister-in-law, Vivian Stephenson (2004); and nephew, Drayton Robertson (2016).

She is survived by her three remaining children, Drayton Stephenson (Joanne), Mary Schminky (Walter), and Kelton Stephenson (David); her three grandchildren, Rebekah Krueger (Kevin), Hannah Beavers (Joseph), and Cody Stephenson (Fleur); her great-grandchildren, Abigail and Zachary Beavers; and her bonus great-grandchildren, Allison, Karson, and Kassidy Krueger. Her Sarasota family includes two nephews and their beautiful families. In addition, she was well loved by her cousins of South Carolina.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. I Corinthians 2:9.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September, 3rd, 2022, at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, Garden of Memories Cemetery. Visitation will start at 10:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. officiated by Pastor Dianne Coflin of River of Life Church. Sign the guest book at www.dignitymemorial.com. Memorial donations can be made to The Gideons International Bibles.