Raleigh, NC -- Rachel Darden Hall Stone, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and lifelong educator, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Monday, May 19, at the age of 97.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Raymond Stone; their children David Stone of Durham, NC, and Sally Beth Shore and her husband Michael of Asheville and Kittrell, NC; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her cherished sister, Elizabeth Hall "Bettie" Wallace.

Born in Chadbourn, NC to Alphonzo Darden and Grace Powell Hall, Rachel spent her early years in Chadbourn and Warsaw before her family relocated to Marion, South Carolina, where she graduated from Marion High School. She went on to study education at Flora MacDonald College, graduating in 1949 as salutatorian with a passion for teaching that came to define much of her life.

It was while teaching elementary school in Wallace, NC, that she met fellow educator Raymond Stone. They married in 1952, embarking on a partnership that would span over seven decades.

Rachel taught children across North Carolina--in Wallace, Wilson, Charlotte, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Aberdeen, and she loved it. In 1964, she began working with adult learners at Sandhills Community College, where Raymond served as President, in their GED learning program. Rachel understood the power of education to change lives and took immense pride in her students' achievements, who she knew often overcame great challenges to return to school later in life. Meanwhile, she continued as an elementary educator, leading the primary department at the First Baptist Church Sunday School in Southern Pines for many years. She retired from SCC after 25 years of service.

Upon retirement, Rachel and Raymond moved to their farm in Rocky Ford, NC, where they raised cows, goats, and hay. She stayed more than busy, processing the copious amounts of fruits and vegetables Raymond grew, playing with and helping care for her grandchildren, and being active in the American Association of University Women, the Franklin County Democratic Women, Sans Souci book club, Liberty Vance Church and the First Presbyterian Church of Henderson. In the mid-1990s, when Raymond came out of retirement to take Interim educational leadership positions in Wilmington, she enjoyed life at the coast, her favorite part of NC. Returning to the farm, she served as a hospital volunteer, working in the Maria Parham Gift Shop.

In 2014, Rachel and Raymond relocated to Hendersonville, NC to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren in Asheville. Well into her 80s by then, she continued to volunteer in their community and was active in the Hendersonville United Church of Christ. Rachel loved reading, especially a good magazine; even more, she loved feeding others. While at Sandhills, she took it on herself to be the college's volunteer hostess, catering graduation receptions and dinners, serving thousands over the years. Cooking was an act of love for her, and in her 90s she was still bringing casseroles and biscuits to community gatherings and bereaved souls. She fed hearts and minds in equal measure.

In 2023, the couple returned to Stone Farm, and then in 2024 moved to Abbotswood Independent Living in Raleigh, where Rachel was known and loved for her warmth, sense of humor, tenacity, and radiant smile.

A memorial service will be held on 3 p.m., Sunday, June 1 at Plank Chapel Methodist Church in Kittrell, NC, followed by a celebration of her life at Stone Farm, 325 Stone Lane, Kittrell.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Rachel Stone Memorial GED Scholarship Fund at Sandhills Community College. Contributions can be made at www.sandhills.edu/foundation/giving.html (designate "other", adding Rachel Stone Fund) or by sending a check, with Rachel Stone Fund in the memo line to: SCC Foundation, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg. www.stricklandfuneralhome.net

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