Jean M. Stevens
VENICE, Fla. — Jean M. Stevens, 89, a long-time resident of Warren, died Saturday, March 25, 2017, at the Tidewell Hospice Center in Venice, Fla.
She was born June 26, 1927, in Sandyville, W.Va.
A graduate of Parkersburg High School, in Parkersburg W.Va., she was trained as a business secretary and served as an assistant to senior military officers at the Ravenna Arsenal during World War II. On June 30, 1946, she married Master Sargent Franklin Stevens Jr., who had just honorably completed a four-year commitment in the 20th U.S. Air Corps. He served in the South Pacific Islands, in the 485th bomb group, within a B-29 squadron.
After ensuring her children were raised, she re-entered the workforce as an office assistant for Dr. Lewis Sarkos in Warren for many years.
Jean was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Warren, where she served as a Christian educator for more than 20 years. She served on the church board of education, as a Deaconess and in the Rena Mederer Circle of Women’s Ministries.
Jean and Frank were married 64 years, lived in the Warren area for 62 years and were parents of David A. (Jackie) Stevens of Palm Coast, Fla., Elaine J. DiLella of Warren and Phil K. (Debbie) Stevens of West Chicago, Ill. Frank and Jean moved to a permanent residence in Bradenton, Fla. in 2009.
Jean is survived by many grandchildren, from David: Jason, Kendra, Racheal and Joel; from Elaine, Anthony DiLella and Rebecca DiLella-Marteney; and from Phil and Debra Stevens, Megan.
She was the last survivor of five sisters, Madelyn Houchen, Hazel Grady, Leon Haynes, Leatha Deem and Ruth Mitchell; and brothers, Carl and Clair Grady. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Frank.
Later in life, Jean continued her charitable work through the Masonic Eastern Star organization in domestic and foreign (Africa) missions, within their Morning Light organization.
A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29, at Central Christian Church.
Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services 271 North Park Avenue, Warren, OH. 44481.
Memorial gifts are encouraged to Jean’s long term charity interest, the March of Dimes, 1601 Motor Inn Drive # 250, Girard, OH 44420.
Please vist www.mcfarlandcares.com to light a candle, share a memory or condolence.
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