Reginald (RK) Knight Stephens

Mr. Reginald Knight Stephens, affectionately known as "RK", son of the late Forest Stephens Sr., and Annie Mae Downing Stephens enter this worldly plain on March 28, 1938, and in the early morning hours of April 15, 2023, his work  now done and he was called to his heavenly home. He was at home in the loving care of his daughter Sharion on the farm he loved when he received the call.

R.K. received his formal education in Robeson County. He graduated on May 23, 1958, from Proctorville High School. He then moved to New York City where he married his high school sweetheart, Alice McGill. After their daughter, Sharion was born, they moved to Flint, Michigan, where he worked as a skilled welder for General Motors.  There at GM he achieved his first retirement. Shortly after retiring he and his family moved back to North Carolina where he was able to purchase his farm on the Wiregrass Road. This land had turned full circle because many members of his family once lived and sharecropped and tended the land. Here he cultivated his love for making wonderful, barbecue, sausage, liver pudding, and an array of other culinary delights fresh from the hogs he raised among other animals. His pride and joy was his pick-and-pay vegetable garden. He planted all sorts of fruit trees and berry’s. RK also loved to fish, and hunt. He did all of these things while working in the maintenance department at Lumberton High School, where he achieved his second retirement.  RK served in the church where he grew up as a child in Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Proctorville, NC.  He was a deacon, served on the finance committee, the Cemetery Committee and other committees in the church. 

Reginald Knight Stephens was a loving father and grandfather. He stood at the head of his family as a guiding light to find your way home. He was strong and stern, yet selective with his voice to correct the path of those he loved. Although he is gone from our sight, he will never be forgotten. Well done to God's good and faithful servant. Amen

“RK” was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and his dedicated wife, Alice Ruth McGill Stephens.  He now joins them in eternal rest.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Sharion Brandenberg of Orrum, NC. Four grandchildren: Niya North of Charlotte, NC, Pierre M. Harrison (Latoya Harrison) of Charlotte, NC, India Jones of Charlotte, NC, Allison Jones of Atlanta, GA.; Nine great-grandchildren: Marquez North, Destinie Harrington, Pierre K. Harrison, Micah Harrison, RaNiya North, Josiah Harrison, MiKenzie Coleman, Kyleigh Jones, Paityn Harrison, Christian Jones. And one great-great grandchild: Liliana North, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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