Rebecca Dianne Stem

Rebecca Dianne Stem, 76, died at her home on September 28, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Eugene Edward Stem and Aylease Adcock Stem. She spent the majority of her working years as a 911 telecommunicator with Butner Public Safety. In this very essential position, she handled stressful situations with attention to detail and dedication. She was always on time and never missed a day. She was preceded in death by her brother, David Stem in 2020 and her mother, Aylease, in 2016. Dianne’s fondest memories were of her mother’s home cooking and helping her cater meals in the home they shared. Dianne cared for her mother in her later years and took pride in knowing she gave her all as a caretaker. 

Dianne loved animals, especially dogs. Even though she didn’t have one of her own in recent years, she took time with those of her friends. She had a gentle nature with them and loved cuddles and sneaking treats. Most of her favorite television shows were related to animals. She was a devoted member of Enon Baptist Church where she was a member of the Elsie Knott/Thelma Yancey Sunday School class and a member of the Mattie Sue Cash ladies’ circle. She looked forward to each holiday where she headed up the decorating of events. She had huge collections for each holiday and loved sharing these with her Enon family. Dianne made a lasting impression with many children at Enon Baptist Church over the years where she served refreshments or worked in crafts at Vacation Bible School. Her hearty laughter combined with her “Drill Sergeant” commands kept the children in line while having lots of fun. She had a heart for local nursing homes, especially Universal Health Care, having attended to her mother there for years and having been a resident herself during re-hab for an injured knee. She labored joyfully in her living room creating colorful favors with Bible verses and sometimes candy that she would deliver to each resident’s room. She also enjoyed playing bingo with them and eagerly bought prizes for the residents. 

Dianne loved her family and her friends, especially the “Get Together Girls”. She was their driver after Oliver Cash could no longer drive the van to the beach and on local trips. 

Dianne is survived by her brother, Edwin Stem. a sister-in-law, Paula Stem, a niece, Anna Stem Elks and a great niece and nephew, Blakley and Bryce Elks. She is also survived by her niece, Betsy Cerminaro (Dave) and their daughter, Mattie Cerminaro; along with friends and acquaintances too numerous to name. 

Dianne also loved her church and her Lord. When the doors were open you could count on her being there. She will be remembered for her huge collection of jewelry. No matter what the color of her outfit she loved donning a collection of colorful matching jewelry. There is probably not a lady in the Enon community that does not own a piece of Dianne’s colorful jewelry. It was her joy to give special gifts of jewelry and trinkets to those she loved. She will also be remembered for her zest for life, her animation, and her genuine love of the people around her. 

A memorial service will be held at Enon Baptist Church, 2298 Enon Road, at 11:00 am, on October 2, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon in the Community Building at Enon. Flowers will be accepted or memorials can be made to Enon Baptist Church in care of Mike Adcock at 1515 Lewis Jones, Road, Oxford, NC 27565.

The family of Dianne Stem is being served by Gentry-Newell & Vaughan of 503 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565.