Dorothy Bonvillain Steverson

Dorothy Bonvillain-Steverson, age 84, a resident of Houma, La., died at her resident, Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 11:45 AM. Visitation will be at Morning Star Baptist Church in Houma, La., Saturday, December 22, 2012 from 9:00 AM until funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in the Celestin Garden of Memories in Houma, La. Dorothy Mae Bonvillain Steverson, was the middle child of the late Florence Celestin Bonvillain Rogers and the late Willie ""Lulu"" Bonvillain, Sr. Dorothy Mae ""Miss Dot"" as she was lovingly called, was baptized at an early age at the Morning Star Baptist Church. Later in life she became an active member of First Zion Baptist Church, where her mother served as a deaconess. Miss Dot served as the leader of the #2 Youth Choir. Miss Dot received her education at the historical Frances Gaudet School in New Orleans. The school was founded at the turn of the century by Frances Gaudet, a black woman educator and activist. The school was known for its academic excellence. After graduation she attended nursing school in Oakland, CA. In 1953, Dorothy Mae Bonvillain married Kelmer Lloyd Steverson, Sr and to this union four children were born. Education was a high priority and countless hours were spent with flash card drills. In addition she loved poetry and would have her children and relatives memorize and recite poems. Miss Dot became well known in her community while working and volunteering in the school system, and with the Carver Sr. High School Marching Band. Many people have credited her for steering them in the right direction when they were young. She was an activist in her own right. Miss Dot always spoke her mind and encouraged others to do the same. She would take relatives, friends, and neighborhood kids along with her own children to church and on field trips. She loved to visit family, travel, and play BINGO. Lastly, but most importantly, Miss Dot renewed her faith in Christ on October 20, 2012. She was lovingly taken care of by her daughter Kaddillac, when she was called home by God. Dorothy Mae, leaves to mourn her three daughters: Kellena ""Kaddillac"" Steverson Houma, LA; Sandra S. Burns (Amos) Los Angeles, CA; Karen S. Bailey Coleman (Monroe) New Orleans, LA; one son: Kelmer ""JR"" Lloyd Steverson, Jr, New Orleans, LA; two granddaughters: Latrisha B. Anderson(Raymond), Bridget Bailey; one grandson: Kevin Steverson; one great granddaughter: Mya Anderson; one great grandson: Micah Anderson, all of Atlanta, GA; three sisters: Emma Bonvillain, Mary Nixon, Delores Johnson (Norman), Houma, LA; two brothers: James Bonvillain (Joyce), Paul Bonvillain;. two sister-in-laws, Leona Phillips, New Orleans, LA, Josephine Bonvillain and Viola Bonvillain both of Houma, LA. and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her mother, her father, brothers: Earl Bonvillain, Willie Bonvillain, Harry Bonvillain (Jacqueline), Albert Bonvillain; sisters: Florence ""Bell"" Willams (Thomas ""Bay Lucky""), Joyce B. Lebouf, Ora Mae Norman, Leola Mae Torrey (Elmon), brother-in-law: Chester Nixon, Sr.; sister-in-law; Beverly Bonvillain, Houma, LA.