Jean McCarley Stevenson lived a full and vibrant life as wife, mother, sister, grandmother, friend, churchwoman, and pianist. She relinquished this life at age 96 and passed into Christ’s full presence on Sunday, June 30, 2019. We who loved her mourn deeply.
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Jean attended Snowden Elementary along with her two younger sisters. At Central High School, she was in Delta Beta Sigma and President of Sunev. After graduating in 1940, she became the first woman in her family to attend college; she graduated from Sullins College with a Diploma in Organ in 1942. She kept up with her music, giving organ and piano concerts in Memphis. Even more so, she kept up with her childhood and longtime friends, enjoying time each year together in Destin, Florida.
Jean met Cleo Wilson Stevenson while he was in medical residency at UT. He saw her across a crowded dance floor and told a friend,” That’s the woman I am going to marry.” So they did and had three children, six grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Jean was a homemaker, member of the Women’s Exchange, Les Passees, Home and Garden Club, a leader in Girl Scouts, a den mother for the Boy Scouts, President of the Women of the Church at Second Presbyterian (2 years), a member of the Women’s Medical Auxiliary, and a Bible leader at Madison Heights Methodist Church and Second Presbyterian. Later she became an antique dealer and owner of Now and Then Antiques in Memphis. Many happy hours were spent as she and Cleo (Steve) travelled through the South attending antique shows and auctions.
She is preceded in death by her husband (Dr. Cleo Wilson Stevenson), her parents (Leroy Harris McCarley from Ripley, MS, and Martha Brown Lowry from Helena, Arkansas). Her two beloved sisters (Barbara McCarley Gill [Dr.Charles Gill] and Mary Mims McCarley Ayres [Mr. Preston Ayres]), her only and “favorite” grandson David Stevenson Moessner, her niece Susan Gill, and nephew Lee Ayres are now reunited with her in God’s embrace. Adopted family member Fannie Brown McCain will also be in that great celebration.
Jean leaves behind a closely knit family. Feeling the absence of her presence are her two sons and their spouses, Cleo Wilson Stevenson, Jr. (Prudy) and Robert Harris Stevenson (Susan), and daughter Dr. Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner (Dr. David) along with their adult children: Elizabeth Stevenson Brenner (Aaron); Dr. Mary McCarley Stevenson; Rachel Stevenson Porter (Samuel); Heather Stevenson; Jean McCarley Stevenson Moessner. Jean’s nieces and nephews will remember her for the family gatherings and exquisite birthday parties: Martha Lynn Ayres, Victor Ayres, Bill Ayres, Dr. Charles (Chip) Gill, Andy Gill, Diane Stevenson Butler, Beth Stevenson Aal, Sallie Stevenson Ford, Dr. Robin Stevenson, Kay Stevenson Patterson, and Thomas Heath Stevenson.
The Stevenson family gives special thanks and gratitude for the loving care and kindness of Mrs. Delores Flagg who faithfully watched over Jean for six years. They became best friends. We are grateful for the Chaplain of Trezevant Manor (The Rev. Robin Hatzenbuehler) and the Ministers of Second Presbyterian Church who visited her with such loving pastoral presence. Finally, we want to acknowledge the Director of Nursing (Terri Palmore) and her staff at Allen Morgan for their attentiveness and skill and Crossroads Hospice for their merciful expertise in helping Jean Stevenson make a peaceful transition.
Following a private family burial, A Service Dedicated to the Glory of God and In Thanksgiving for the Life of Jean McCarley Stevenson will be held at 12:00 noon in the chapel at Second Presbyterian Church (4055 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38111) on Saturday, July 6, 2019. A Reception and time to visit with the family will follow in the Salmon Room. Memorial gifts may be sent to Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Your presence is the greatest gift.
