J. Wayne Stephenson

SWOOPE - James Wayne Stephenson, 72, of 40 Bradford St., died Thursday (March 11, 2021) in Augusta Health. 

Born July 17, 1948 in Washington, D.C., he was the only child of the late James Arthur and Eunice (Simpson) Stephenson.  Wayne retired from Verizon as a data processing manager after 35 years of service.  A U. S. Air Force veteran, Wayne dedicated his retirement years to a home business in which he created embroidered emblems for veterans.  He was honored to embellish garments and design framed plaques for members of all branches the armed forces. 

Surviving are his wife, Charlotte Irene (Collins) Stephenson; two sons, James Stephenson and Robert Stephenson (wife Kristi), all of Jessup, Md.; two step sons, Eddie and Daniel Wade; several grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. 

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at a later date. 

Memorials may be directed to the Veterans Administration Medical Center, attn. Shelby Benois, 1970 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA  24153. 

Bear Funeral Home is serving the family.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.bearfuneralhome.com.