It is with great sadness that the family of Mary F. A. Stephenson announce her peaceful passing on October 16, 2024. Born March 31, 1938 in  Hong Kong, Mary was only three years-old when her family became prisoners of war at Lung - Hua, a Japanese Internment Camp (ie. J.G. Ballard's Empire of the Sun and S. Spielberg film of the same name). The youngest daughter of the late Murial E. Fowler Wheeler Spary and Henry George Kittle Wheeler, the family relocated to Sydney Australia allowing them to be closer to other family members after the war.  Later, Mary would return to Hong Kong where she resided at The Helena May, a women' s private members social club, and was employed as a secretary.

In 1963, Mary emigrated to the United States and married Claude M. "Steve" Stephenson, an American Naval Commander and widower whom she had met while he was on R&R in Hong Kong.  During  49 years of marriage, they resided in San Diego, CA; Norfolk, VA; Dix HIlls, NY and finally, Myrtle Beach SC.  Together they enjoyed gardening, travel, history, and film. Mary, herself, was an avid reader, seamstress, baker, and chronicler/raconteur. She loved trivia and faithfully watched Jeopardy as well as any historical drama or crime series available on PBS. She also loved classical music. Mary was incredibly proud of her origins and proud to be British! Her biggest passion, however, was her faith. She attended Mass almost daily at St. James RC Church, Conway and over the years participated in their Faith Formation and Grief Counseling groups. She also enjoyed being a part of the ladies lunch divas group.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary is predeceased by her sister Priscilla Wheeler Evans and brother -in-law Kenneth Evans. She is survived by her sister, Joan E. Brown of Woking, Surrey, UK. Those also in mourning include: her step-son, Jim Stephenson (Debra), children - Paula Stephenson Wall  (Mark), Long Beach, NY;  Kimberly Stephenson of San Diego, CA.; Joanne Stephenson Tierney (Matthew) of Little River, SC; and Colin Stephenson of Long Island, NY. Her grandchildren include: Scott and Mark Stephenson; Jared Stephenson of Myrtle Beach SC; Nina Wall of Rochester NY, Alec Wall of Cambridge, MA., and Iain Wall of Ridgewood, NY; Kathrine Stephenson of Belle Harbor, NY and Bram Barajas of San Diego, CA. Her Great grandchild is Xiomara Stephenson of Myrtle Beach, SC. Nieces and nephews include: Anthony Evans of Hong Kong (Ming), Terry Evans Sanders of Auckland, New Zealand; Deborah Brown Read (Chris) of Norfolk, UK, and Christopher Brown (Mary) of Portsmouth, UK.

The family would like to acknowledge the St. James Catholic Community (esp. Fern and Kevin Daniels) for their support and devotion to Mary's spiritual needs, Drs. O'Brien and Andrew Brewer from MUSC for their medical care over these 18 months, and The Lower Cape Fear Lifecare Foundation (esp. Deb and Nancy) for their compassion, sensitivity and care to our entire family (including Mum's dog - Dorie!).

Clearly beloved across the globe - those who are able are invited to attend Mary's Funeral Mass on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 9AM at St. James RC Church, 1071 Academy Drive, Conway, SC 29526 or to livestream the service at https://stjamesconway.org/ by simply clicking on the orange WATCH MASS LIVE on the screen's right side header. This Mass will also be available for viewing through youtube at a later date.

Internment will follow the funeral at the St. James Columbarium. The family will receive friends afterwards  at a light reception made possible by the Ladies Guild of St. James RC Church.

Please sign a virtual guest book at watsonfuneralservices.com. Watson Funeral Services and Crematory, 2300 Hwy 378, Conway, SC is serving the family.