Nancy Carole (Kennerly) Stevens

Nancy Carole Kennerly Stevens of Lenoir, North Carolina passed away on February 16, 2023 at her home in Lenoir surrounded by her loving family.

She was born October 20, 1937 in Lenoir, NC.  Mrs. Stevens was the daughter of the late Charles Frank Kennerly and Virginia Lackey Kennerly.

Mrs. Stevens graduated in 1956 from Lenoir High School.  She received her Liberal Arts and Business degree from Mitchell College in Statesville NC in 1958.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from East Carolina University in Greenville NC in 1960 and did graduate work in reading at Appalachian State University in Boone NC.

She taught in the Lenoir City School system for 16 years and in the Caldwell County School system for 20 years, making a total of 36 years in education. Teaching was her one of her passions and many former students speak of her impact on their lives. She also did private tutoring in reading for many years at her home. Her other passion was caring for and helping friends and family.  She was at her happiest when she could give back.

She was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Society for Women in Education, a member of the State and National Education Associations, the International Reading Association, and the Retired Teachers Association.  She was a member of Eastern Star, Red Hat, and retired NCEA.  She was published in the 1973 edition of Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America.  She was named Teacher of the Year in 1984-85 and 1987-88 at East Harper Elementary School and also named teacher of the year in 1992-93 at Davenport Elementary School.

Mrs. Stevens was a lifelong member of Lenoir Presbyterian Church in Lenoir NC. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  She was named Woman of the Year in 2009 by the Presbyterian Women at Lenoir Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Susan Kennerly Stevens, of Durham, her son, Thomas Franklin Stevens, of Lenoir; two grandsons, Aaron Tyler Stevens and Colton Marshall Stevens, and daughter-in-law, Donna Richards Stevens. She is also survived by Joe Parker, college friend, helpmate and sidekick.

She was also preceded in death by her longtime companion and the love of her life Walter L. Bean Jr.

The family is also eternally grateful for her wonderful caregivers who cared for her and always advocated for her health and wellbeing during her final months.  Thank you to Sheila Miller, Sharon Purvis, Sidia Witherspoon, Angela Bumgarner, Holly Hartley, Leslie Hartley, Kimberly Townsend, and Linda Collins who helped her children care for her at home.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 3:00 P.M.  In the sanctuary of Lenoir Presbyterian Church, 1002 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645, with Reverend Robert Hinman and Reverend Joe Parker officiating.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Lenoir Presbyterian Church.

A graveside service will be held Friday, February 24, 2023 at 11:00 A.M at Oakwood Cemetery, 114 Oakwood Drive, Statesville, NC, 28677.

Memorials may be made to Lenoir Presbyterian Church, 1002 Kirkwood St. NW, Lenoir NC 28645, Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir NC 28645, or a favorite charity.