ZEBULON – Jewel Stephenson Vinson, Age 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Zebulon, on November 30, 2016. Her three surviving children, Joseph Stephen Vinson, Angela Vinson Jones, and Pam Vinson Aldrich; four devoted caregivers, Melinda Deans, Nancy Medlin, Vickie Wylie, Kim Parrott, and an attentive team of Hospice nurses were closeby to offer comfort and attend her every need as she prepared for her journey into heaven for a reunion with those gone before her: Adoring husband, Joe, and youngest son, David; sister, Madeline Peele; parents, Pearl and Hal Stephenson, along with many other family and friends. She was a resident of Zebulon and member of Zebulon United Methodist Church for more than 50 yrs.
Jewel was born and raised a farmer’s daughter in Johnston County. She met the love of her life on a blind date arranged by the couple’s best friends following a highschool baseball game, after which the pair was inseparable, except for a Military Tour of Duty for Joe in Korea in WWII. She received her training as a Registered Nurse at Rex Nursing School in 1944, then practiced nursing for a number of years at the old Rex Hospital. Joe and Jewel Vinson had been married 61 years when Joe died in 2006. They often spoke of the pleasure they felt from working side by side for more than 35 years at their store, Vinson’s Pharmacy, where they became well-known for giving their customers an extra measure of old fashioned personal service, and for helping to enhance the number and diversity of medical professionals making Zebulon their home.
Joe and Jewel were devoted to their family and spent much of their golden years caring for youngest son, David, who fought an amazing battle with brain cancer until his death in 2008. There were no limits on what they would do for their family and many friends as they modeled integrity, generosity, a high standard of work ethic, and kindness to all who knew them. Their lives were an inspiration to all, personally and professionally.
Jewel Vinson was a stellar example of a great mother, patiently encouraging her children to think independently and work hard to achieve carefully thought-out life goals; a great wife, perfectly suited to be the helpmate and encourager needed by her husband; and a great friend, always willing to help in any way possible, without desiring notice or credit, to encourage, and offer an easy smile whenever needed. She will be missed by many and her example will keep her memory alive for those blessed to have known her.
Jewel Vinson is survived by 3 Children, 10 Grandchildren, and 12 Great Grandchildren: Son, Joseph Stephen Vinson, Daughter, Angela Vinson Jones and husband, Greg; Daughter Pamela Vinson Aldrich and husband Craig; Grandchildren Tommy Vinson, wife, April, and Great Grandchildren Andrew, Abigail, and baby Ayden (due 12/16/16); Blake Jones, wife Andrea, and Great Granddaughter, Amelie; Kyle Jones, wife Amy and Great Grandchildren, Grant, Taylor, and Emily; Dustin Jones; Derek Jones; Sarah Seaver and husband Craig; Anna Stanphill and husband Jeff; Brandon Aldrich, wife Megan, and Great Granddaughters Abby and Cadence; Michelle Aldrich and Great Grandsons Jason and James; and Evan Heller, husband Alex, and Great Grandsons Noah, Jayden, and Robert.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice.
Memorial service 1 pm, Sunday, December 11, Zebulon United Methodist Church with visitation from 12 – 1 pm, prior to the service.
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. Full obituary at www.stricklandfuneralhomes.net
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