Merle Allen Stephenson, age 104, died Thursday morning in Smithfield Manor. Born August 7, 1906 in Johnston County to the late Robert Henry and Emma Jane Strickland Allen, she was the widow of Raymond Young Stephenson who died August 23, 1986. Merle was preceded in death by a son, Robert Macon Stephenson and a granddaughter, Dianne Hight. A member of Johnston Union Free Will Baptist Church since 1942, she taught Sunday School and served as the Church Clerk for many years. She was recently presented a plaque as the oldest living member of the Original Free Will Baptist Organization. She was recognized as the first "Women of the Year" for the Cape Fear District of the Women's Auxiliary, serving as the President at the time. In 1971, she was awarded a Life Membership Award from the State Auxiliary District. She was a member of the Wilson's Mills Homemaker's Club, the Wilson's Mills Home Demonstration Club, where she served in all the offices at one time or another. She has served as the Johnston County Cancer Society President, a local, district and state officer of the War Mothers organization and as a community leader and Vice-President of the County 4-H Leaders. Merle also worked hard to raise money for Mount Olive College and was honored with a tree planted in her name at the college.Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday in Johnston Union Free Will Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park in Clayton.Surviving are sons, Max Stephenson and wife Gail of Greenville and Jackie Stephenson of Garner; daughter, Anne Daughtry and husband Don of Goldsboro; 8 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 3 step-great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren