Mr. A.J. Stephenson, Jr., 80, of Lillington died Sunday, February 5, 2012 at the Alzheimer's Related Care of Dunn. He was born in Harnett County, the son of the late Aaron Stephenson, Sr. and Thelma Young Stephenson. Mr. Stephenson retired as a Harnett Co. Magistrate after 26 years of service. He was a founder and the first president of the N.C. Magistrates Association. Mr. Stephenson was also past chairman of the Harnett County Democratic Party. He was a 32nd degree master mason of Lillington Masonic Lodge #302 and a Shriner. Mr. Stephenson was a member of the Neills Creek Ruritans and a past member of the Lillington Jaycees.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Pleasant Union Christian Church in Lillington with Rev. Cary Snelling officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family wil receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday night from 6:00-8:00 PM.

Mr. Stephenson is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mazelle Mangum Stephenson of the home; son, Michael L. Stephenson of Garner; daughter, Pamela Stephenson Keller and husband Matt of Charleston, SC; grandchildren, Matthew Keller, Morgan Keller Pappas, Deirdre Stephenson and Evans Stephenson.

Memorials may be made to Pleasant Union Christian Church Building Fund, 2164 Neills Creek Rd., Lillington, NC 27546.

The family will be using Ann's Flowers, 910-893-9192.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Pleasant Union Christian Church in Lillington with Rev. Cary Snelling officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family wil receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday night from 6:00-8:00 PM.