Dexter Randolph Stephens

Dexter Randolph Stephens was born on June 4, 1940, in Burlington to the late Jolly and Ella Stephens. He peacefully departed this life surrounded by family on May 5, 2026, in Winston-Salem after a brief illness. 

Dexter graduated from Jordan Sellars High School in Burlington, NC. He earned his undergraduate degree from Winston-Salem State University and two master’s degrees from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Although his advanced studies qualified him to become a principal, he enjoyed teaching so much that he chose to continue molding lives from the classroom.

His extensive career as an educator included service at Pinkston Street Elementary School, where he met his devoted wife and lifelong companion, and within the Warren County School System, where he touched countless lives through patient instruction, mentorship, and a belief in every student’s potential. His commitment to education extended beyond the classroom into every aspect of his life. He believed learning was a lifelong pursuit and modeled that conviction for his children, grandchildren, students, and colleagues alike.

Dexter was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Henderson, where he was respectfully known for teaching Sunday School and videotaping church events before the pandemic. After COVID, he attended church virtually and often shared heartfelt messages with family and friends. Dexter was known for his loving and giving spirit, wise counsel, gift of teaching, and his debative yet witty personality. Though he was known as a jokester, he was also direct when it came to serious matters.

In addition to his professional life, Dexter was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and served his community with compassion. He thoroughly enjoyed videotaping special events for his family, church, and the community at large; bowling; tutoring; preparing taxes for others; and visiting and volunteering in nursing homes, at the Salvation Army, and at the Senior Citizens Center.

Family was the cornerstone of Dexter’s life. He possessed an unwavering love for his wife and children. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Dorothy Stephens; children, Darrell Eaton, Sr. (Tiffany), DiNina Napper (Daryl, Sr.), LaMesha Brock (Luther III), and Sharon Stephens; grandchildren, Daryl, Jr., DeQuan, Daniel, Luther IV, Christian, Darrell, Jr., Jalil, Taj, Destiny N., Destini S., Lakira, Shamyah, and Maekayla; one great-grandson, Delano; great-granddaughters, Alani and Nadia; siblings, Gerald Stephens and Fail Trollinger (John); and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jolly Stephens; his mother, Ella Stephens; his brother, Larry Stephens; and his sister, Norma Stephens. Dexter’s legacy will continue through the wide circle of relatives and friends who were blessed to share in his life. He will be remembered for the light he brought into classrooms, homes, and communities, as well as the wisdom and humor he shared with everyone he encountered.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21

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