Helen J. Stevenson

Helen Joan Stevenson, was born March 13, 1925, in Pittsburgh to Ludwig and Anna F. Fiedor. She was preceded in death by her husband, John William Stevenson; her parents; sister, Louise; and brother, Edward. She is survived by her nephew, Jerry Allen, of Hurst, Texas, his wife, Benalee, and their daughters, Stephanie Allen, of Hurst and Jerilynn Lehrmann and husband Ronny; grandniece, Kaylee Lehrmann, of Fort Worth, Texas; stepson, Scott Allen Stevenson, of Austin, Texas; stepdaughter, April Schatte and her husband John, of Houston; step-grandchildren, Ian and Noah Schatte; and many friends who will miss her dearly. Joan's lifetime career of entertainment and service began when she was elected Miss Pittsburgh in 1942 and named Champion War Bond Salesperson of Allegheny County, Pa. Singing at various military hospitals, she began a musical career, eventually starring with the most popular big bands in the best clubs in the country under the name Joan Carroll. She returned often to the military hospital wards to coax a smile from the wounded with a song, or by just saying the word bellybutton. Joan married Bill Stevenson in Houston on June 20, 1964. She was a devoted wife and loving stepmother. While they moved often for his work, her stage presence continued with Little Theater and Sweet Adelines productions. She was active in the Military Officers AA Auxiliary, Red Cross and other volunteer activities. Her passion was her wire hair fox terriers. Joan bred, trained and showed several grand champions and was a respected competitor on the dog circuit. Joan left this life Friday, July 18, 2008. She will be interred next to Bill in the National Cemetery in Baton Rouge, Friday, Aug. 8, at 10:30 a.m. We remember her elegance, gracious manner, quit wit and sense of humor.