It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Rosa Lehmeier Stephenson. She passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025. She was born in Deising, Germany on September 12, 1930, to parents Josef and Anna Lehmeier. She met her husband of 50 years, Bayard Denson Stephenson, Jr., while he was stationed by the Army in Germany. They then moved to Columbia, SC, where she raised her five children.  

As a military wife who was often challenged during her husband’s overseas assignments, she persevered and was totally devoted to her family. Her interests included gardening, needlepoint, sewing, crocheting, and cooking German dishes. She had a deep love for animals, reading books, walking, and hiking. She will be remembered by her beauty, inside and out, her tenacity in life, her deep strength, her wonderful accent, and her faith in God. She will be deeply missed and mourned by her family. 

She is survived by her children, Hilda S. Parker (Grayson), Joseph Samuel Stephenson (Marcia), Rosemarie Ratcliff (Gary), and Alysia Ann Faircloth (Bill); grandchildren, Noah Michael Faircloth, Anna Marie Faircloth, and Justin Stephenson (Christie); great-grandchildren, Jackson, Isabella, and Sydney. 

She is preceded in death by her husband; her son, David Lee Stephenson; and grandson, James Chadwick Golden.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 30 at 11am at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road Columbia, SC 29209.