Birth Date: 03/19/1938
Deceased Date: 12/31/2022
Lloyd Dwight (Steve) Stephenson Jr. went to be with his Lord and Saviour on December 31st, 2022, in his home with his wife Beth and fur babies Roxie and Chloe by his side. He was 84 years old.
Born in Johnston County on March 19, 1938 to Lloyd Dwight and Ethel Coats Stephenson. He was a graduate of Clayton High School and later studied Criminal Justice at Johnston Community College.
He was a florist most of his life and was always a flower man. Lloyd taught classes for flower arranging and cake decorating at Johnston Community College where he made many special friends over the years. He opened his first florist shop in Clayton in 1959. Eventually he and Beth bought D&B Florist in Selma and continued operating the shop through 1994. After selling the flower shop, he continued working with various local florists and Cyn-Mar Wholesale in Pine Level. Lloyd then worked with the Department of Corrections for 15 years before retiring in 2002.
Lloyd loved his church and church family at Selma Original Free Will Baptist in Selma. He continued to enhance the church with his floral arrangements, especially helping with the hanging of the greens service each year at Christmas time. He loved fishing when he could go. His favorite travel destinations were anywhere in the mountains but he had a special love for Gatlinburg, TN. He and Beth traveled from Florida to Maine, Tennessee and even out to Branson, MO. Many trips were made with family, kids and grandkids. He was once part of a “re-population” in a small town in Missouri on the way to Branson with Dwight’s family. He also especially “enjoyed” riding on roots and boulders with Greg’s family. These are all special and precious memories that will keep us laughing. He loved babies and little kids, always doing his best to make them giggle.
Visitation will be at Selma Original Free Will Baptist Church in Selma on Wednesday January 4th from 5-7pm. The funeral will be a Parrish Funeral Home in Selma on Thursday January 5th at 1pm. The burial will be immediately following in Sunset Memorial Park in Smithfield.
Lloyd is survived by his wife of 57 years, Beth Stallings Stephenson. Son Dwight Stephenson and wife Wendy of Selma, Son Greg Stephenson and Debbie Law of Cary, Brother Steve Stephenson and wife Tracy of Lexington, NC. Grandchildren: Sara Ziman and husband Zach of Roxboro, NC, Lauren Stephenson (and boyfriend Jacob Lee) of Goldsboro, Caleb, Zachary and Rebekah Stephenson of Selma, Great Granddaughter, Isabella Grace Ziman due January 2023. Fur babies: Roxie and Chloe, Special nephew Wyatt Stephenson of Lexington, Special nieces: Beverly Youngquist (and husband Lance) of Florida, Donna O’Neal Vick of Florida, Great Nephew Garrison Vick (and wife Abbigail) of Clayton, NC, Great Niece Leslie Marquez (and husband Obie) of Florida, Great-Great Niece Leilani Marquez of Florida
Lloyd is preceded in death by parents Dwight and Ethel Coats Stephenson, Sister Vahnis O’Neal, Brother-in-Law Charles O’Neal, Special Daughter-in-law Amy Sullivan Stephenson and many other fur babies from throughout his life.
Flowers will be a tribute to Lloyd and appreciated.
Donations can also be made to Selma Original Free Will Baptist Church in Selma.
