May 27, 2025, 82, Goldsboro —

Earlene Knight Stephens, 82, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in the comfort of her home while surrounded by the love of her family. Earlene was born in Macon, Georgia to the late W. Earl and Gladys Herndon Knight on November 7, 1942.

Serving as a teacher with the public school system in Georgia, Earlene taught for ten years before moving to North Carolina. Teaching business classes, she continued employment with Goldsboro Christian School, teaching typing, bookkeeping, shorthand, and other business classes for eight years. Following her teaching career, she continued using her great business acumen as a volunteer for AARP assisting with tax filing.

A member of First Missionary Baptist Church in La Grange for over fifty years, Earlene was an active member as long as her health allowed. Serving as Vacation Bible School Director and Sunday School teacher, she shared her faith with many through her teaching and nurturing.

Constantly active, she kept busy with her hobby of basket making, as well as staying on the go. She enjoyed destinations as distant as Ireland, Germany, and California, but also loved destinations closer to home with her family. She even looked forward to school field trips with her granddaughter, Mara, where she served as a chaperone.

A genuine Southern lady and sweet soul, she was always kind to everyone she met. Strong and dependable, she was true to her word, always available, and staunch in her belief.

Earlene’s love for her family was paramount in her life. Meeting her husband, Ellis, on a blind date, the two dated for a short time before uniting in marriage that endured for nearly sixty-one years. Earlene was constantly involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, taking a liking to the things that interested them.

A service of love and remembrance will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Rouse Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service. Interment will be held at a later date in the Millen Cemetery of Millen, Georgia.

Earlene is survived by her husband of nearly 61 years, Ellis Lee Stephens, Jr.; daughter, Kimberlee Stephens Taylor and husband, Robert; son, Ellis Lee Stephens III and wife, Candi; grandchildren, Mara Lee Jones and husband, Kevin, Walker Ellis Stephens, and Wylder “Wylee” Earl Stephens; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Eastern Nephrology for the care they provided to Earlene over 11 years. The family also wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Gentiva Hospice for the compassion, care, and comfort they provided Earlene in her final days.

 Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.