John H. Stephenson Jr.
WAKEFIELD—John Howard Stephenson Jr., 82, died Dec. 16, 2008.
Mr. Stephenson was a lifelong peanut farmer of Stephenson Farms in Sussex County. He was a true American farmer; independent, hard-working and a good friend and neighbor.
He was a devoted family man, a loving husband, father, son, brother and grandfather.
He was a US Army Veteran of World War II, a lifelong member of the Wakefield Community Hunt Club, a member of the Wakefield Sportsman’s Club, and he coached in the Wakefield Little League baseball program for many years. He was a found member and guitar player for the Firehouse Five, a Dixieland Band and he was a founding member Cypress Cove Country Club in Franklin and was an avid golfer.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 61 years, Anna Terriciano Stephenson; eight children, John Howard Stephenson III and wife Jane of Wakefield, Cheryl S. Patterson and husband Pat of Portsmouth, Pamela Stephenson and husband Randy Taylor of Lovettesville, Joseph A. Stephenson and wife Carol of Wakefield, Lewis M. Stephenson and wife Jeany of Colonial Heights, Mary Carol Wayner, and her husband David of Petersburg, Sandra S. Sprouse and husband Jes of Spring Grove, Charles D. Stephenson and wife Diane of Raleigh, NC; 15 grandchildren, John H. Stephenson IV, Willis M. Stephenson, Iris Anne Stephenson, Angela K. Patterson, Joseph F. Patterson, Christopher Taylor, Ryan D. Stephenson, Maryanna L. Stephenson, Annie M. Stephenson, Samantha S. Spain, Michael T. Spain, Tyler A. Stephenson, Shea M. Stephenson, Quinn M. Stephenson, Carsyn L. Stephenson; one great granddaughter, Alyssa Patterson; two sisters, Morris S. Griffin and husband Otha Carlton of Wakefield, Marguerite S. Miller and husband Larry of St. Simons Island, Ga.
He was predeceased by two grandchildren, Jack E. Stephenson and Elizabeth Ann Stephenson and two brothers, Charles M. Stephenson and Marvin C. Stephenson.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Church in Wakefield.
Father Charles Saglio will officiate. Following the services on Sunday, the family will receive friends for a short time at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department, 155 Fleetwood Ave., Wakefield, VA 23888; Waverly Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 583, Waverly, VA 23890 and the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216.
The family is being served by J.T.Morriss & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Purviance Chapel in Wakefield.
Condolences may be posted to www.jtmorriss.