Stella Jean Stevens

Stella Jean Stevens, 84, of Battle Creek, died Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. She was born February 7, 1929 in Bronson, the daughter of Laurence and Margaret (Burrell) Tharp. Jean graduated from Albion College with a B.A. in English. She was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega and served as corresponding secretary for the sorority. Jean taught early elementary in the Lakeview School System for approximately 20 years, dividing her time between her career and raising a family. She retired from teaching in 1991.
On June 23, 1951, Stella Jean Tharp was united in marriage to Daryl W. Stevens in Battle Creek. He preceded her in death on March 1, 2006.
Jean was a long-time member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. She was active in United Methodist Women and spent many years leading the church youth group with her husband Daryl.
She is survived by her two sons, James D. (Kelly) Stevens of Battle Creek and Scott R. (Amy) Stevens of Maggie Valley, NC. In addition to her husband Daryl, Jean was preceded in death by her parents and by a son, Robert Stevens, in 1991.
Jean loved her family, Boston terriers, Tigers baseball, reading novels, trips to Lake Michigan and North Carolina, and meeting with her Teacher Tuesday Group.
A visitation will be held 2-4 pm on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held 10:30 am Monday, December 30, 2013 at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church with Pastor Chad M. Parmalee officiating. Her family will gather at Memorial Park Cemetery to inter her cremains, next to her husband, Daryl, at a later date. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church Memorial Fund (157 Chapel Hill Dr., Battle Creek) or Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence (5470 Glenn Cross Rd, Battle Creek).