Priscilla Estelle Stephens, 79, daughter of the late Gladys Mae Stephens, was born on July 4, 1944 in Winston-Salem, NC.

Priscilla was a graduate of John Walter Paisley Senior High School.  While attending Paisley she enjoyed playing basketball, softball, and soccer.  She was named "Most Likely to Succeed in Athletics."  Ms. Stephens began driving for Safe Bus Company in 1966, thereby becoming the first African-American female to be employed as a driver for the Black-owned bus company.

Priscilla also held a position as a truck driver for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company until she was hired as a driver for Greyhound Bus Lines in 1980.  She was sent to Jacksonville, FL for an eight-week training program to become a Greyhound Professional Operator.  She was ranked #1 in seniority out of a class of 100 students. After seven years of driving experience, she was sent to Harrisburg, PA for training to become a Driver Instructor.  She received several prestigious awards for driving and safety. Ms. Stephens was noted for not having had any accidents during her career at Greyhound.  She retired from Greyhound in May of 2012.

Priscilla joined New Bethel Baptist Church under the pastor Dr. Jerry Drayton, where she was a 50 year Gold Star Member.  At New Bethel, she was active in The Elizabeth Missionary Group, The Effort Club, and The Bereavement Committee until her health failed.

Leaving to cherish fond memories are devoted cousins, Lisa (Robert) Myers, Jackie (John) Posey, and a host of special cousins; special friends, Dicie Petree, Lorenzo (Stephanie) Rouse, Becky Davis, Carolyn McWillis, Debra Moore, and Mrs. Jamie Morrison; special caregivers, Caprecia Mankins and Rhonda Harris; and a host of other family members and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, September 8, 2023 at New Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Kendall Jones, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1:00pm on Friday at the Church.