Carol Stephenson Obituary

Carol Keese Stephenson

November 27, 1936 – July 11, 2025

Carol Keese Stephenson passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 27, 1936, and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee with her two sisters, Carol lived a life filled with kindness, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community. A graduate of Girls Preparatory School in 1954, Carol went on to attend the University of Alabama and became a proud member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. It was at the University that she managed to squeeze a coffee date with fellow student Jack Stephenson into her extremely busy social calendar. That coffee led to a loving, decades-long union. The two were married in 1958 and began their life together in Tuscaloosa before moving to Chattanooga in 1959.

Carol began her professional life in the claims department at Provident Life & Accident Insurance Company but after 2 years she transitioned into the role for which she was destined and innately talented: that of a devoted wife, mother and volunteer. A faithful and active member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, Carol served on numerous committees and was a dedicated member of the church Circle. Her volunteer efforts extended to the Junior League of Chattanooga and the Signal Mountain Social Services Clothes House. She was an invaluable "behind-the-scenes" volunteer, always at the ready, but ever so humble in her efforts to assist.

Community and friendship were central to her life. For countless years, if you were in the Carriage Hill/Palisades area of Signal Mountain, you would see them…a row of women walking…rain or shine, delighting in enjoying some afternoon exercise together while recounting the day's events. These walks filled Carol's soul. Additionally, though she always downplayed her abilities and never sought the spotlight, Carol was a talented tennis player, a long-time bridge player, as well as a dedicated member of the Lookout Mountain Book Review Club.

Carol's role as a grandmother (CeCe) was one of an abundance of hugs and love. Whether it was reading countless bedtime stories, cheering them on in numerous athletic endeavors or, her favorite, treating them to a day at Lake Winnepesaukah (she loved the Tilt-a-Whirl), she did so with loving enthusiasm.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Maude Keese, and her best friends in life with whom she shared many years of laughter and love, her sisters, Jane Ragland and Nancy Sims.

She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Jack R. Stephenson; and her children who were her heart, as well as their spouses for whom she was beyond grateful: her son J. Riggs Stephenson III (Carol); daughters Jeannie Henry (David) and Ila Pokela (Dave); twelve beloved grandchildren and their respective 8 wonderful spouses; and thirteen cherished great-grandchildren.

Many thanks to Hearth Hospice of Chattanooga, specifically Josh Youngman, for the invaluable support provided in the last years of Carol's struggles with Alzheimer's. Finally, a special note of immense gratitude to Cindy Baggett for the unrelenting care, advocacy and love she has provided for Carol in the past few years as her primary dedicated caregiver.

Carol's life was a testament to grace, generosity, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she so deeply loved.

Services will be held at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church on Friday, July 18, 2025, starting with a visitation at 1:30 and a funeral service at 3:00 in the main sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carol Stephenson's memory to Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, Hearth Hospice of Chattanooga or Signal Mountain Social Services.

Arrangements are by Wann Funeral & Cremation Center at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain, St. Elmo. (423) 821-7551. Share your memories at wannfuneralhome.com