Barbara Joan Stephon

Barbara Joan Stephon, age 87, of East Lansing, Michigan, passed away on July 14, 2026. The daughter of Richard David and Hazel Irene (Spencer) Pinkerton, she was born on May 5, 1939, in Orange, California. A graduate of Maury High School in Norfolk Virginia, Barbara received Bachelor and Master Degrees in Music from Michigan State University, as well as a Master of Arts in Library Science from the University of Michigan. She worked at the Michigan State University Library for more than 30 years.

Music was an important part of her life. She played piano and organ, taught piano lessons, and served as an organist and handbell choir director for several congregations for over 40 years.

She was an avid traveler and reader and loved to explore new places, cultures and cuisines from around the world. She spent many happy summers enjoying repertory theatre at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. She earned the distinction of Master Gardener from Michigan State University and found great peace and happiness "in the dirt" of her beloved gardens. Her other happy place was the ocean, where she loved nothing more than her long quiet walks along the water's edge. Above all, she cherished her family and the time spent together.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, John Pinkerton. Surviving are sisters Margaret (Gary) Rymer, and Debbie Stinnett, children Chris (Deb) Stephon, Susan Merritt, Victoria Walker, Doug (Izumi) Stephon, grandchildren Melanie Walker, Hannah and Matthew Stephon, and Taiki Stephon as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at The People's Church, East Lansing, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made. Some of her favorite organizations include Outer Banks Forever, MSU Horticulture Gardens, Stratford Shakespeare Festival, and World Central Kitchen.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Barbara's online guest book, or share a favorite memory, please visit www.MichiganCremation.com