Rosalie Ethel Smith Stevenson

Rosalie Ethel Smith Stevenson (82) of Charlotte, NC departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior on March 11, 2026. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She decided at an early age to be guided by the example of Christ and to make choices that would be pleasing to Him. Because of that she lived a lifetime of love and selfless giving for her family and others. Rosalie Ethel Smith was born September 1, 1943 in Alamosa, CO. When Rosalie was five years of age, the Smith family moved to Lake Wales, FL. She graduated from Lake Wales HS in 1961 where she was VP of the Honor Society, President of the HS Chorus, and an Honor Speaker at graduation. During her youth she enjoyed being part of Girl Scouts of the USA for many years and was very active in youth fellowship at First Methodist Church of Lake Wales. She also developed an interest and love for horses, but that would soon take a back seat to her interest in a certain young fellow named Ronnie. The path of their lives would be forever changed afterward. Rosalie and Ronnie, a native of Lake Wales, became high school sweethearts and were married December 30, 1962 at First Methodist Church of Lake Wales. Prior to her marriage, Rosalie, having received both a teaching and housing scholarship, enrolled and attended Florida State University. She completed 2 years at FSU before the couple started their family in 1963. Her husband, now known as Ron, graduated from FSU in December 1964 and began a career in computers with state government in Tallahassee, FL.

The family relocated several times over the succeeding years due to job changes, having resided in Tallahassee FL, Winter Park FL, Charlotte NC, Irmo and Lexington SC. During those years Rosalie devoted most of her time and energy to raising her 4 children and caring for her husband and home, but she also found time for an active life outside the home. From 1983 – 1986, she served as cashier in the Beverly Woods Elementary school cafeteria in Charlotte, NC. She also enjoyed taking an active part in church life, serving as teacher/coordinator for children, choir member, and as church treasurer.

Later in life after the children were grown, Rosalie developed her entrepreneurial spirit and enjoyed several occupations. She was a school activities bus driver for Lexington County SC schools for 23 years, driving for sports teams, music groups and class field trips. She really enjoyed the interesting places they visited and the fellowship with other drivers. She also opened and operated a coffee shop/news stand in downtown Lexington SC, and she obtained her license and practiced real estate in Lexington County. While in Lexington SC, Rosalie was able to rekindle her love for horses as the family resided on a 10 acre farm. She and her husband Ron enjoyed many years keeping several horses, developing riding skills, and trail riding together. They also found time and enjoyed singing in the Lexington County Choral Society for 20+ years, as well as learning and engaging in the Carolina Shag and Western Square Dancing for many years together.

Rosalie was an avid reader, always had a good sense of humor, was practical in nature, and never took anything too seriously. She found beauty and joy in the simple things in life. Rosalie was very proud of all her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments, always wishing them a life full of happiness, love, and fulfillment. Perhaps her most endearing quality and that which summarizes who she was is that during her lifetime her decision-making process in all matters always focused upon those she loved and never upon herself. That would seem to be a very good example for all of us. Some of her final words were “Nobody’s perfect, just love the best you can.”

Rosalie is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years Jay Ronald Stevenson of Charlotte NC, her four children Anthony Jay Stevenson (wife Stephanie Sheppard Stevenson) of West Orange NJ, Robert Allen Stevenson of Charlotte NC, Jeffrey Dean Stevenson of Charlotte NC, Thalia Rose Stevenson of Fort Collins CO, five grandchildren Ryan William Hirniak of Pageland SC, Amanda Rose Davidson (husband Brent) of Lewisburg TN, and Jay Franklin Stevenson, Sheppard Anthony Stevenson, Max Joseph Stevenson all of West Orange NJ, and great-grandchildren James Michael Davidson and Emma Rose Davidson of Lewisburg TN.. She was preceded in death by her father Frank Allen Smith, Jr. of Zephyrhills FL, her mother Ocie Ethel Smith also of Zephyrhills FL, and her brother Arthur Dean Smith of Boerne TX.

A Service of Celebration and Remembrance will be held on April 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Little Church On The Lane, 522 Moravian Lane, Charlotte, NC 28207.

A reception will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall.