MEBANE — Thomas Edward Stephens, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Mebane, NC on February 27, 2024 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. His hard work paid off as he rose from the son of a tobacco farmer in Person County to managing A & P grocery stores in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough and finally becoming a successful businessman owning “Tommy’s Mini Marts” in Durham, Burlington, Mebane, and Yanceyville for 50 plus years.
Thomas was born on May 1, 1940 to the late Robert Bryerly Stephens and Nina Mary Oakley Stephens. He is predeceased by his 12 siblings.
Tommy, as he was affectionately known, was a star baseball catcher at Helena High School. After coaching his children’s sports teams in football, basketball, and baseball for many years, his passion turned to golf and traveling with friends. Thomas and Vera made many special friendships and memories through the years with their friends.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 58 years, Vera Jeffries Stephens, and his three children, April Stephens (Steven Morris), Jeff Stephens (life partner Kim Westrom and her/ their adult child, Will King) and Brent Stephens (Susan). “Grandad and Papa” is treasured and will be missed by his three grandchildren: Luke Thomas Stephens, Matthew Jacob Stephens, and April Isabella Hurd.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s foundation of the Carolinas, 2101 Sardis Road North # 102, Charlotte, North Carolina 28227 or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 3, 2024 at 2 p.m. First Baptist Church in Mebane. A church service will follow at 3.
