Rebecca Ann Stallings
April 1, 1951 ~ March 15, 2009
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Rebecca Ann Stallings, 57, of Asheville, died on Sunday, March 15, 2009.
Born on April 1, 1951 in Thomasville, NC, Ms. Stallings was the fourth child of Charles D. and Mary Bush Stallings. She received her elementary and secondary education at the Governor Morehead School in Raleigh, NC. After graduating in 1969, she obtained a Bachelors degree from UNC-CH with majors in Psychology and English in 1973, and a Masters Degree in English Literature from Wake Forest University in 1975. She later obtained a second Masters degree from Western Maryland University in Deaf/Blind Rehabilitation.
She was employed by North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind for 31 years, starting as a Social Worker for the Blind in Buncombe County. During Rebecca's career she served in many positions; Social Worker, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Children's Program Consultant and most recently as Counselor-In-Charge in the Asheville District Office. Rebecca served on many committees during her career. She gave fully of herself in serving the visually impaired people of Western North Carolina, including contributing to the establishment of DASI (Descriptive Audio for the Sight Impaired) which describes performances at community theaters.
Survivors include mother, Mary Bush Stallings, sisters Barbara Gerhardt of Huntersville, NC and Susan S. Jones of Indianapolis, IN, brother David Stallings of Waynesville, NC, nieces and nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved dog guides, Yahtzee and Nasha.
Rebecca worked tirelessly volunteering for her church, All Souls Episcopal. She served as a Lay Reader, Chair of the Outreach Committee, Member of the Vestry, Stewardship Committee, Kay Faulk Book Group and as a volunteer with Loving Food Resources. Rebecca knitted many prayer shawls for her church and baby blankets for the Linus Project.
Rebecca loved life and was cherished by her many friends and family. An inspiration to those who knew and admired her, Rebecca was kind to others and gave of herself despite her own challenges.
A memorial service for Ms. Stallings will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the Cathedral of All Souls Episcopal Church, with the Very Rev. Todd M. Donatelli and the Very Canon Brian Lee Cole officiating.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rebecca Stallings Memorial Fund at The Cathedral of All Souls, 9 Swan Street, Asheville, NC 28803. These funds will be used to support scholarships for visually impaired and Guiding Eyes for the Blind guide dog services.
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TO THE FAMILY, AND HER CO-WORKERS. MY TOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS TIMES OF LOSS. BECKY, WAS A VERY LOVING AND GIVING PERSON. I COUNT IT A PRIVILEDGE TO HAVE HAD HER FOR MY COUNSELOR ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING BECKY TO BRIGHTEN MY DAY UP, AND FOR BEING AN INSPIRATION TO ME. YOU KNOW THAT SHE CAN SEE NOW, AND THAT THE FIRST THING THAT SHE SAW WAS THE FACE OF HER SAVIOR. GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU THAT KNEW HER THE BEST, AND THEREFORE WILL MISS HER THE MOST. MAY YOU FEEL GOD’S LOVING ARMS AROUND YOU DURING THIS TIME OF LOSS. GOD IS VERY CLOSE TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US WHEN WE GO THROUGH A TRAGEDY SUCH AT THIS. AGAIN YOU ALL ARE IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS FOR THE COMING DAYS AHEAD. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
We are deeply saddened by Rebecca’s untimely passing. We extend our deepest condolences to Rebecca’s family and her friends who were many.
Rebecca was such an inspiration to those who met her. Rebecca’s support, self-reliance, wisdom and example contributed greatly to our student’s success. She will be sorely missed by all.
Disability Access Office
Western Piedmont Community College
I’m so sorry to hear of Becky’s passing. Although I had not worked with her for many years, at one time I recall how respected she was among our GMP staff in the west. She was truly dedicated to our children and their families. I know she will be sorely missed by many.
As Ms. Becky’s next-door neighbors, we are very sad about her sudden death. We will miss her very much. She was a role model to me and to my children: a woman of great strength, and yet sweet and pleasant.
We are keeping the family in our prayers.
The Carter Family
You were a wonderful friend. You lived your life fully and well. You will be missed.
So sorry to hear of the accident. Becky taught us so much during our years of friendship in Chapel Hill, 1969-1973. I always thought it interesting that she ended up in Asheville since that was my hometown and I am living not too far from her hometown. God bless. Lila Morse Bostian
My family and I want to send our deepest sympathies to the family of Ms Stallings. She was a wonderful person to work with, she had only been my caseworker for a couple of months but she was a wonderful help to me and my family.
I knew Rebecca through her work with my vocational rehabilitation clients. Her wit, humor, and common sense will always be remembered. I value the concepts and ideas she shared with me. I am saddened at her passing and hope your warm memories will offer you consolation during this difficult time.
DEAR STALLING FAMILY WHEN I HEARD OF BECKY’S DEATH AT FIRST I FELT SO ALONE, BUT THEN IT DAWNED ON ME THAT GOD HAD CALLED ANOTHER ANGEL TO HEAVEN. WITH THAT BEING SAID BECKY HAS A PERFECT BODY, PERFECT VISION AND IS NOW IN PARADICE. SHE WILL BE MISSED, BUT WE NEVER KNOW WHEN THE LORD SAYS IT IS TIME TO COME HOME. AND IF WE HAVE ACCEPTED THE LORD IN TO OUR HEARTS THEN WE SHALL SEE HER AGAIN ONE DAY.
A LOT OF FOLKS ON THE CITY BUS OFFER THEIR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY.
Becky was such a loving, talented, and serving person. We were glad to have known her and Nasha, and enjoyed many Thanksgiving Days with her family.
The staff of GMP Morganton office were so saddened to hear of the car accident. We loved Becky and often spoke of her, even though she was our social worker for only a couple of years during the late 90’s. My sincerest sympathy to her family and the many clients she was helping and had helped over the years.
My deepest sympathy to Becky’s family. I worked with Becky at Services for the Blind and Governor Morehead Preschool. She was a dedicated and caring person. She will be deeply missed by many.
My deepest sympathy to Becky’s family. I worked with Becky at Services for the Blind and Governor Morehead Preschool. She was a dedicated and caring person. She will be deeply missed by many.
We are very saddened by the passing of Rebecca (and Nasha). She was a great friend, neighbor and yoga companion. We will miss her very much. Our thoughts are with her family and friends who are mourning her loss as well.
Becky (and Nasha), you will be sorely missed but always in our hearts. We love you….
To the rest of the family, may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life *very* well lived.
I am a friend of Rebecca’s sister, Susan and sadly never met her. She sounds like a dedicated person with her mission of the disabled. My thoughts are with Susie and her family.
Judy
To Ms Stallings family, Rebecca was a very inspiring person. She did all she could to let you know that she would help you as much as she could. She always had a positive attitude. She helped me get into college a little. Also, she helped me with my computer skills with Zoom Text. She would come and pick me up and take me to CVCC and have a trainer to show me how to use Zoom Text. It was very encouraging. She gave me hope, considering she was blind herself even though I am considered legally blind she had less vision than I did made me want to struggle harder to be the best I could be. My love goes out to the family dearly. Patrick Smith
As a first cousin, I can only say how saddened my family is by Becky’s passing, as well as her precious friend Nasha. I did not realize how much Becky gave of herself to others, her local and state community. I am sorry for not knowing her better in our adult lives. I, apparently, have missed out on a great friendship. Dianne
With our love – Jack, Bernard, Dennis, Dianne and families.
Barbara, I’m so sorry for your loss of Rebecca. It was amazing to read all that she did in her life. I will be at the service on Sunday. Love, Helen
I know Becky from my early years attending Valdese Elementary School up to my years at Heritage Middle School, East Burke High School, and on into College. She was a very kindhearted and soft spoken, yet having strict standards especially when it came to spelling words correctly. She told me ‘you either look them up in the dictionary or find a way to spell the correctly cause that will benefit you in your future accomplishments and whatever strive to accomplish in life’ Becky Stalling’s will be remembered and held with high astonishment and honor in my heart knowing whatever I pursue in life. Becky gave me that inner drive to pursue something and pursue it well. Becky was an outstanding woman and will be deeply missed but will always have a special place in my heart for yours to come until we meet again some fine day on that beautiful share along with all that have gone on before us. Thank You Becky for being the light to me success is not something that just achieved but rewarding.
I had the opportunity to work with Becky when she was Childrens Consultant. I always enjoyed spending time with her. She was a great resource for the children in our county. She always had an up beat fun personality and will be greatly missed.
Mike McCall, TVI
Caldwell County Schools
Peace to all the family and my prayers are with you during this trying time. Friend, Donn Simon
Dear Family,
Once again, we would like to offer our sincere sympathy to you in the loss of Becky. She was truly an inspiration to people and quite an example for all of us. We are so thankful to have known her as a kind neighbor and friend. Your loss is definitely Heaven’s gain and we pray that God will grant you His Peace as you go through this difficult time. And again, if there is anything that we can do now or later, please do not hesitate to ask. God Bless!
Our love and prayers,
Eric, Lisa, Michael & Margaret Marrow
We are holding you all in our hearts during this very difficult time. We share your sorrow and pray that God will hold you close and ease your pain with his love and compassion.
The presence of Ms. Stallings, as I only now know her name to be, and her guide dog will be greatly missed in the West Asheville community. Seeing her walking in the neighborhood we shared over the years was always heartening and upbuilding. My heart goes out to her family and friends, including the unfortunate other participants in this tragic accident. ‘Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.’ (Ps. 34:18)
Becky was remarkable. We worked
together at the Gov. Morehead
Preschool Program.
May God bless you all during this
sad time.
Becky’s abilities and willingness to give of herself had no limitations. We became acquainted prior to Asheville Humane Society’s first Yappy Hour fund-raiser. Nasha was one of the local celebrities who were featured at the event. In a tease I asked Becky if Nasha was spoiled. She giggled, shook her head and exclaimed ‘No! No! Not at all!’ I often saw Becky and Nasha at performances by Asheville Symphony Orchestra. Her brief life was lived richly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rebecca’s family and the Ashevile DSB Office, as well as DSB staff across the state. We all appreciated her talents, knowledge and experience. I thank the good Lord for her life and what it has meant to all she has touched.
Becky will always be remembered for her very special laugh and bright smile. She will be missed by all of us at DBB especially in the Asheville Office.
Kathy Harrison 03-20-09
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Thanks for all the memories that we shared.
I met Becky through my sister, Debby. Went to dinner with her many times and heard all the adventures from their trips to visit clients. Becky was a very special person. I admired her positive attitude and always enjoyed visiting with her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. I have this picture of Becky strolling through heaven with her dogs and exclaiming over all the beautiful colors.
Dear Mary Hester, David, Barbara
and Susie: Our hearts are breaking as we just heard of the tragic accident and Becky’s death. It is with loving memories that we have of her in our Thomasville years and her determination and always loving character! Please know that our love and prayers are with each of you at this time. May God Bless! Willie & Marty Shoemaker
Jim knew Rebecca through Board membership for DASI. She was an inspiration to everyone who had the good fortune to know her. She will be missed, but her works will long survive her.
I am a friend of Susan (Stallings)Jones in Indianapolis, and unfortunately I never had an opportunity to meet her ‘Baby Sister’ Rebecca. Susan has told me over the years how proud she was of Rebecca and how dedicated she was to her career.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.
Sharon Mutter
Indianapolis, In.
I met Rebecca last year when my husband was referred to services for the blind. She was so kind and carring. She helped my husband get the surgery he needed. She was the most kindest person I had ever met. And because of her my husband can see. I fell like she really saved our lives. If it haden’t been for Rebecca he would have lost his job. She was a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.
Becky was a very good friend and an inspiration to me.
With Love, Pam
Dear Mrs. Stallings, Barbara, David, Susan and all the family,
I, as so many others, am just reeling at this news. Becky was such a sweet and loving child and it is certainly clear that what she accomplished as an adult was done with that continuing kindness that always was a part of her.
I am so very sorry. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Rebecca was a blessed person and she was a blessing to all she knew and to all those she served. The world is better because of her.
My love and deepest sympathy to all of you from Gary and me,
Betty
The second pew at The Cathedral of All Souls will seem so empty without Becky and Nasha. I will miss Becky’s presence and regret not being able to hear more of her wisdom.
As members of the All Souls Family, we are grateful for Becky’s generous sharing of herself with us. Her reading of scriptures was always received with special attention as we watched her fingers move across the Braille pages that she prepared ahead of time. She was a model of faithfulness.
We find comfort in celebrating her remarkable life.
May grace be with those near and far who miss her.
We have lost a great resource and a loving and caring person who put all of herself into everything she did. She has touched so many people with her bright spirit. My prayers and thoughts are with her family during this most difficult time.
Barbara and the Stallings family: Denny and I are saddened to learn of your sudden loss. Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathy are with you at this time of remembrance.
Dear Becky and Nasha, There forever will be a vacant place in book group and in my heart. With a full and grateful heart to know, to love, and to be inspired by you, Robbin
Becky was one of the first persons whom Lee and I met at All Souls twelve years ago, and — like so many others — we simply felt blessed in knowing her. Her smile, her kindness, her good words shone through those first two years, brightening the already-bright world around us. All these came back to us after Lee’s disastrous surgery just after we moved to Fairview. Together with her gentle but unwavering courage these traits of Becky’s have spoken eloquently in the years since. She was truly one of God’s very special persons.
Requiescat in pace.
Aunt Becky was a great aunt. I loved playing with Nasha in the yard. She will be much missed.
~~~Clayton Coldren 3/21/09
Dear Aunt Becky,I loved playing in the yard with you and Nasha And visiting you in the summer. I miss you and Nasha lots.
~~~With lots of love Ellis
Dear Granny, David, Barbara, Susan, and all of the Stallings Family:
I join you in grief about Becky’s death, and in loving memory of her life. She was a wonderful presence at family gatherings, and she will always be in our hearts.
Chris
Becky served her clientele with the utmost respect and dignity. It was a joy to be called on to work in a cooperative manner with those we served.
The community at large will miss her spirit of love. They will have fond memories and know that their lives have been enriched through her life.
We will rejoice in that it will be said ‘well done good and faithful servant.’
I have admired and respected Becky for many years while at ASChurch.
My thoughts and prayers to friends and family.
Leslie
Becky and I became friends during our years at UNC(1969-1973). When she moved to Asheville(my hometown) she and a friend rented a house from my father on Brookshire St. She was always such an inspiration to me. She was able to do anything she set her mind to. I offer my sincere sympathy to her family.
Karen Lance Shuford
For Becky’s Family:
Becky was a very special person, one we can truly say left this world a better place than she found it. She touched more lives than anyone can possibly imagine.
It was Becky who called me and suggested I apply for the Assistive Technolgy Consultant position at Services for the Blind. Later she made me feel somewhat special about my relationship with my wife Sue, who is legally blind.
I feel very fortunate to have known her and to have been able to work with her.
Yesterday was a very special day for me and I suspect for everyone who gathered at All Souls.
Thanks be to God for the life and love shared through and because of Becky’s life.
Dear Mary Hester and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You all hold a special place in the hearts of the Deaton, Stone, Call and Kindley families. Love, Mary, Howard, Sancha, Sagen, David, Maria, Kira, Connor and Chloe
Susie and family I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Kim Burris
Thoughts and prayers for you and your loved ones Susan. Donald and I both have lost siblings and know the pain you are all experiencing now when someone is taken from us so suddenly. God be with you all.
Jeanne and Don Wilson
Rebecca was of great help to me after I first loss my sight. I will
always be grateful for her care
and concern. What a great lady.
I just learned of Becky’s death. I am truly sorry that her life was cut short as it was. She was always a special person and I have many fond memories of Becky and the rest of the Stallings family. My heart goes out to each of you and my hope is that you will find comfort in family and friends and the many great memories that you have of Becky. The world was certainly a better place for having had Becky in it. May God bless you all.
With fondness,
Wayne