Patricia W. Stephenson, 68, passed away on July 7, 2023, at her home in Wake Forest, North Carolina after a courageous battle against cancer. She was born February 7, 1955, in Seaford, Delaware, the daughter of Mary Carolene “Urch” (Bowes) Wetzel, who she loved so dearly, and Kenneth Harlan Wetzel.
Pat graduated with “Highest Honors” from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies, and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, in Madison, Wisconsin. She became an English/Literature teacher, teaching in Orange, Franklin, and Wake County Public School Systems, along with Ravenscroft School. During her 30-plus years in education she earned Teacher of the Year at Orange High School, Zebulon Middle School, and Wake Forest-Rolesville Middle School. She married Russell W. Stephenson in 1982, celebrating 40-years of marriage last August. Pat and Russell were overjoyed with the arrival of their son Justin R. Stephenson in 1987. While battling the difficulties associated with her cancer, Pat was blessed to celebrate the birth of her Granddaughter, Natalie Stephenson in 2022, even being able to celebrate Natalie’s first birthday in June.
She was an avid reader, gardener, online bridge player, and enjoyed volunteering at Saving Grace Animals shelter. She most enjoyed spending time with her family, fellow teachers, friends, and the many dogs that she cared for throughout her life.
Pat was predeceased by her mother, father, and aunt Patricia Ward. She is survived by her husband Russell Stephenson (Wake Forest, NC), son Justin Stephenson, his wife Laura Stephenson, and granddaughter Natalie Stephenson (Springfield, VA). Pat is also survived by her two loving sisters, Linda Wetzel (Phoenix, AZ) and Marcia Reynolds-Wetzel, her husband Doug Reynolds (Loganville, GA), cousins Melissa Ward (Salisbury, MD), David Ward (Salisbury, MD), and Shelley Wetzel (Englewood, CO).
A service of remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. followed by a reception on Saturday, July 15 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Pat in a special way may consider donating to the American Cancer Society, Saint Jude Children's Hospital, or Saving Grace Animals for Adoption NC.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com for the Stephenson family.
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