Obituary of Earl Julius Stephens

Earl Julius Stephens, age 92, died Friday, October 22, 2021 after a short period of declining health at VERO Health and Rehab of Sylva.  Earl was a long-time resident of the Moses Creek Community of Cullowhee where he was a member and deacon of the Moses Creek Missionary Baptist Church.  He retired from Dayco as a textile worker.  Prior to working at Dayco, he was a long-time construction worker and heavy equipment operator for W.B Dillard Construction, which built petroleum facilities and highways throughout North Carolina.  Earl proudly worked for Jackson County as one of the first Staff Recycling Center employees and for Smoky Mountain High School’s Cafeteria where he delivered meals and sometimes made sure students didn’t go hungry.  He also served in the United States Army as a War Veteran during the Korean Conflict. He was a big and tall man that could have an intimidating appearance, but had a big heart especially for his family and young people.

Stephens was preceded in death by his parents Howard Stephens, Lettie Estelle Fore Stephens; a sister Nina Stephens Ledford; and a daughter-in-law Donna Woodard Stephens.  He is survived by his wife Mary Joyce Smith Stephens of the home; two sons Tommy Stephens (wife Vangie Wolfe Stephens) and Ricky Gregory Stephens (deceased wife Donna); three grandsons Brandon and Jake (wife Ahlisha Littlejohn Stephens) both of Cherokee, and Victory Gregory Stephens of Waynesville; two great grandsons Kaden and Carter (sons of Jake); and an adopted sister Patricia Tuller of Sylva. 

Memorial Services and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 30^th at Moses Creek Baptist Church.  Reverend Earl Holden and Brandon Stephens will officiate and deliver eulogy.  The Family will receive friends at 11AM and services will begin at 11:30AM.  Appalachian Funeral Services and Crematorium will assist with the services.

In lieu of flowers and cards, Earl’s wishes are for donations to be made to the Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital, which was one of his favorite charities or to a favorite charity in his name.