Rebecca Lane Stephens, 76, of Bedford passed away on March 13, 2026, at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. She was born in San Angelo, TX on December 15, 1949. The daughter of the late Harry Dee Smith and Merlene Clevland Smith. In addition to her parents Rebecca was preceded in death by her daughter, Kimberly Lane Stephens Lail.
Rebecca was a Godly, loving, compassionate wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to so many. She and her husband lived together in Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia before moving to Bedford 15 years ago where they quickly came to love the community and beauty of the area. Rebecca was a member of Bedrock Church in Bedford, VA along with her husband.
Her life was compiled of making wonderful memories with her family and friends. Time spent while traveling, going on cruises around the world and volunteer work throughout the community always brought such joy.
From 1972 to 2006 Rebecca developed a passion for Christian education as a teacher and administrator. Upon moving to Bedford, Rebecca volunteered with the AGAPE center in Moneta and at Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital.
She leaves behind a legacy for each of her family members and she always instilled the value of love and the memories shared with them is what brightened her day. She will be missed dearly in the days ahead, but the family finds peace in that she is with her Lord and Savior and is reunited with her daughter, Kimberly.
Rebecca is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Thomas Charles Stephens; 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; three siblings, Mandy Shooter and her husband, Jack, Staci Myers, and Stephaine Whitson. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and so many friends.
For those wishing to make memorial contributions in Rebecca’s memory please consider Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary/ Volunteer Fund or Charity of Choice.
Her family will host a visitation from 1 – 2 pm prior to the Celebration of Rebecca’s life that will be held at 2:00 PM on April 11, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home in Early, Texas with Stacey Walker officiating.
Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net