Jean Stephenson, in the late 1960s, either just before or just after she retired as editor of the Appalachian Trailway News.

Richard Stanton (National Park Service) and Jean Stephenson at a Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club Board meeting, November 1971

Jean Stephenson (left) and Marion Park (right) on a day hike on the Appalachian Trail sometime in the 1930s or 1940s. Stephenson was the long-time second in command to ATC Chairman Myron Avery and Park was the long-serving secretary of the ATC.

Jean Stephenson (1892-1979), founding editor of the Appalachian Trailway News and author of a number of important ATC publications, including Guide to the Paths of the Blue Ridge and the Conference's guide to the Appalachian Trail in Maine. Stephenson was also ATC Chairman Myron Avery's most important support during his years as ATC chairman, managing his correspondence, defending him to his critics, and helping him organize the work of the sprawling ATC enterprise.

Stephenson held a doctorate in law and was a member of the Washington, D.C. bar. She was an avid genealogist, he helped direct a genealogical research program sponsored by American University, the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and the American Society of Genealogists.