John Fletcher Stephenson, 80, passed away September 8, 2012. He was born the son of the late John Sidney Stephenson and Mary Carr Stephenson. He was predeceased by his wife, Thelma Carr Stephenson. He was a U.S. Army veteran having served during the Korean War era. He retired from Union Camp Corporation in 1994 as a machine operator on the #4 paper machine after 44 years of service. He was a member of Local 1488 Union. John was a member of Western Branch Baptist Church where he had been an active member and involved in many committees and in the church choir. He was a past member of the Prime Time Singers of Suffolk. He had many hobbies, including fishing, woodworking, gardening, bowling, and yard work. He enjoyed traveling and had a special interest in visiting historical places.

John is survived by his children, Peggy S. Pierce of Suffolk, Susan S. Wood (Jeffrey) of Franklin, and John Mark Stephenson (Diane) of Suffolk; grandchildren, Angela P. Stalls (Jerry) of South Mills, NC, Alan Ray Pierce (Melissa) of Windsor, VA, Stephen Edward Powell of Norfolk, VA, John Adam Stephenson (fiancé Ashley Nicole Leager) of Suffolk, VA, Brooke Victoria Stephenson and friend Ricky Hough; great grandchildren, Zachary David Stalls, Joshua Fletcher Stalls, Carson Ray Pierce, Kayden McKenna Pierce; sister, Evelyn S. Darden of Windsor, VA; brothers, Lawrence M. Stephenson (Betty Jean) of Windsor, VA, W.J. Stephenson of Windsor, VA; sisters-in-law, Julia Carr, Ann Carr, Barbara Gray, Helen Carr, and Carolyn Duke; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many devoted friends.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at Western Branch Baptist Church at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 with Rev. Micah Voight officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory and other times at the family home. Memorial donations may be made to the Western Branch Baptist Church, 6952 Old Myrtle Rd., Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.