Rebecca Lane Stephens

Rebecca Lane Stephens, 76, of Bedford, passed away on March 13, 2026, at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. Born in San Angelo, Texas, on December 15, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Harry Dee Smith and Merlene Cleveland Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Kimberly Lane Stephens Lail.

A godly, loving, and compassionate woman, Rebecca was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many. She and her husband, Thomas, lived in Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia before settling in Bedford fifteen years ago, where they quickly grew to love the community and its natural beauty. A longtime member of Bedrock Church in Bedford, Rebecca found deep fulfillment in her faith and in creating lasting memories with family and friends through travel, world cruises, and volunteer work in the community.

From 1972 to 2006, she pursued her passion for Christian education as both a teacher and administrator. After moving to Bedford, she continued serving others through volunteer work with the AGAPE Center in Moneta and at Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Thomas Charles Stephens; her son, Charles Thomas Stephens and his wife, Laura; seven grandchildren, Stephen Thomas Lail and his wife, Kristen, Amber Richelle Boyd, Austin Wayne Lail and his wife, Emily, McLane Robert Lail and his wife, Loren, Savannah Violet Stephens, Samuel Charles Stephens, and Katherine Jane Stephens; five great-grandchildren, Ethan, Emberly, Kasen, Hudson, and Eliza Lail; and three siblings, Mandy Shooter and her husband, Jack, Staci Myers, and Stephaine Whitson. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of dear friends.