After a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, Stephanie Ezzell passed away peacefully on March 20, 2024 at her home in Raleigh North Carolina, surrounded by her family. Stephanie was born on March 29, 1951, in Kinston NC, to the late Perry Wilson Thompson and Jewel Hare Thompson.

Stephanie is survived by her husband, Walter Ezzell of Raleigh; son, David Ezzell of Clayton, sister, Angela (Jamie) Sugg of Kinston; sister-in-law, Rebecca Ezzell of Kinston and nieces and nephews, Heather Ezzell Weigand, and her 2 kids, Vivien & Henry of Farmville, Ryan Bostick of Clayton and Amber Bostick and her son, Tristen Bostick of Gates NC. She is preceded in death by her brother-in-law Jim Ezzell.

As a child, Stephanie wanted nothing more than a baby sister, which she was blessed to receive when her dear sister Angela was born. After graduating from Grainger High School in 1969 and having been inspired by her own first grade teacher, Stephanie would go on to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Atlantic Christian College in 1973. While in school, she would meet her soulmate, Walter D. Ezzell Jr., and the two would be married on September 7, 1975. Stephanie then returned to school at East Carolina University to complete her Master’s Degree. Once finished, Walter and Stephanie would grow their family, with the birth of their son David in 1980. She went on to teach for over 30 years at public schools in Aurora, Farmville, Winterville, and Garner, in addition to helping train aspiring teachers at the community college level.

The proud and devoted wife of a dedicated soldier, Stephanie was the selfless warrior who supported her family through all of life’s adventures, including countless military deployments around the globe. Stephanie loved music (particularly beach music and Elvis), traveling (especially to the Lancaster County Pennsylvania area), and spending time with her beloved friends and family. She was an incredibly beautiful, strong, intelligent, generous, thoughtful, tender-hearted, and compassionate woman, who brought positivity and joy to everyone she met. Above all, she loved her family, friends, and Jesus Christ with all her heart. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she impacted over the years.

A funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, March 25 at Highland Baptist Church, 8524 Crowder Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 before the service at the church. The burial will take place at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Highland Baptist Church Child Enrichment Center.