Eva Stephens Buffkin: Tabor City

1927 – 2024

     Eva “Marie” Stephens Buffkin of Tabor City went to be with her Lord and Savior at 2:11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26. She was 96.

     She was born on May 7, 1927. She was the daughter of William Hampton and Retha Fowler Stephens. She was married for 61 years to the love of her life, James Roy Buffkin, who predeceased her in 2008.

     Marie was a former nurse and worked for several doctors who settled in Tabor City, the last one being William (Bill) Stout. She was a lifetime member of New Life Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for over 20 years. She enjoyed reading, studying her Bible, and crocheting until her eyesight would no longer allow it.

     Marie was an avid writer of many stories and poems and passed that talent to her son and youngest granddaughter. She was a hard worker until her health would not let her enjoy the things she once loved. She loved the Lord and her family especially her two granddaughters.

     Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her parents; one sister, Mary Elizabeth Stephens who died at 9 months old; a brother, Harry M. Stephens; and her son, Stephen (Steve) Gary Buffkin.

     She is survived by her daughter, Donna Buffkin Rouse; granddaughters Jeannie Marie Prince and Jonna Michele Prince Baker (Travis); five great grandchildren, James Mitchell Keith, Caitlynn Still, Chance Lee Baker, Cameron Lee Baker and Hensleigh Booker; one sister-in-law, Violet Watts Stephens; and beloved nieces and nephews.

     She will always be loved and missed by everyone who knew her.

     A graveside service was planned for 2 p.m. Friday, March 29, in Spivey Cemetery.

     Family planned to receive friends following the service in the cemetery.

     A guest register is available here.