02/18/09 - NNHS Newsletter - Barbara Beck Stephenson

Barbara Beck Stephenson
(22 Oct 1926 - 16 Feb 2009)

Newport News High School Class of 194_

WILLIAMSBURG - Barbara Beck Stephenson, 82, of Williamsburg, died Monday, Feb. 16, 2009.

She was born on Oct. 22, 1926, in Winchester, Va., to William Ernest and Meta Grim Beck. Mrs. Stephenson later moved to Newport News and graduated from Newport News High School, where she met the love of her life, Elmo Stephenson. When Elmo joined the Navy at a very young age, she knew that she would wait for him and be with him for eternity.

Barbara was active in various community organizations during her lifetime, but her passion was being a loving wife, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Throughout their years together, she was the quiet encourager to her beloved Elmo. Their mutual love and admiration brought them together in life, and upon Elmo's death on January 21, 2009, Barbara realized that she was lost without him.

Barbara Beck Stephenson

Survivors include her children, Sharon McCormick and her husband, Frank of Midlothian, Va.; Elmo L. Stephenson, Jr. and his wife, Pamela of Riner, Va.; Bill Stephenson and his wife, Michelle of Gilbert, Ariz.; and Patricia Adams and her husband, Clark of Midlothian, Va. Mrs. Stephenson is also survived by nine grandchildren, Ryan, Blake, and Lindsay McCormick; Elmo L. Stephenson, III (Chip); Shelby, Ashley, and Megan Stephenson; and Zachary and Lauren Adams; and two great-grandchildren, Taylor Stephenson and Olivia McCormick. Other survivors include her brother, Bill Beck and his wife, Ruby of Winchester, Va., and several nieces and nephews.

A joint service will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Newport News at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2009, to celebrate the lives of Barbara and Elmo. Family and friends will be received at a reception in the Parish Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice House, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188.
On-line condolences may be registered at www.nelsencares.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

Published in the Daily Press from 2/18/2009 - 2/19/2009.
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