Mark Waddell Stephens

Mark Waddell Stephens was born in Asheville, NC on August 24, 1959, and died in Raleigh, NC, on November 4, 2025.

The son of Hugh Waddell and Clare Trotti Stephens, both of Asheville, NC, he is survived by his parents, his spouse Hannah Haines Stephens of Raleigh, NC, his son Hugh Waddell Stephens II, and Hugh’s spouse Stephanie McQuade, of Nags Head, NC. He is also survived by a brother, Andrew Stephens of Asheville NC; a sister, Jan Stephens Goss, and her spouse Craig Goss, of Houston, Texas; brothers-in-law Hilton Drummond Haines and James Ledbetter Haines of Rockingham, NC and their respective spouses, Glenda and Paula; brother-in-law Robert Leak Steele Haines and his wife Jan of Lugoff, SC; a sister-in-law, Claire Haines Alexander and her spouse Ed, of Raleigh; ten nieces and nephews; several grandnieces and grandnephews; and many dear cousins.

Mark was known for diligence, dedication, perseverance, empathy, and a sharp wit. A skateboarder, surfer, Ultimate Frisbee player, runner, swimmer, triathlete, and musician, he took pleasure in walking his dog and knowing his neighbors.

In high school, Mark toured with the Houston All City Orchestra as first chair trumpet. Upon moving to Raleigh, he frequently played trumpet with the choir at Christ Episcopal Church.

Mark was graduated from Bellaire High School, Houston, Texas in 1977 and from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas in 1983 with a B.S. in Geography and Economics. He received an MAI Designation from the Appraisal Institute in 1992 and a CFP Certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards in 2003. He was active in the Chief Appraisers Round Table. He also held real estate licenses in North Carolina and several other states.

During college, he took a year off and worked in the oil fields around College Station, Texas – grueling work that helped him decide to return to complete his degree. After graduating from TAMU, he worked with Vista Management Company, a developer in Houston, Texas. Upon moving to Raleigh, NC, he worked with Stephens Associates as a Market Analyst. After receiving his MAI, he began working with the appraisal firm Hester & Company. Later, he was Senior Vice President in the Appraisal Department at First Citizens Bank for nine years and Chief Appraiser/ Senior Manager for RBC for six years. For the past 14 years, Mark was Real Estate Valuations Compliance Manager at Truist/BB&T until illness took him away from the work he loved.

A transplant recipient, Mark was forever grateful to the people who graciously donated their loved ones’ organs so he might live. He cherished that gift and the life it gave him, and he lived it well. Though he was never able to thank them in person, we send our thanks out to them again now for giving us so many more years of life with Mark and allowing him to see his young son grow up and marry.

We also extend our gratitude to the medical community for its care throughout Mark’s life -- including Duke Transplant Center, Duke Hospice and Homecare, and Fresenius Kidney Care Center Cary – and to the clergy at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Raleigh and the volunteers of its Martha Ministry for their support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Kidney Foundation, Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), and the American Diabetes Association.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mark Waddell Stephens, please visit our flower store.