J.R. Stevenson

J.R. Stevenson, age 80 of Garland, TX, passed away October 16, 2007. He was born on April 5, 1927, in Chestnut, LA, to Henry Ezra & Georgia (Pierce) Stevenson. J.R. served his country in the United States Army, and was a telephone installer-repairman by trade, as well as a handyman and locksmith. He also took care of the maintenance needs at Eastern Hills Baptist Church, where he was a member and a deacon for 14 years. J.R. was formerly a member of the First Baptist Church of Jasper, TX, where he served as a deacon for 20 years, also standing at the door every Sunday as a greeter. He retired from Southwestern Bell in 1985 after 34 years of service. J.R. never met a stranger and always had a story to tell. It was evident that he loved the Christian life, and was dedicated to the church. J.R. was a very giving man, and taught his family how to live a Christian life. He was an honorary member of the Mesquite Quilters Guild, and crocheted baby blankets for the newborns at the church.

J.R. is survived by his wife: Hazel (Splawn) Gheen Stevenson of Garland, TX; daughters: Nanette Lewis & husband Marty of Charlotte, NC, and Penny Odell & husband Dennis of Liberty, TX; grandchildren: Ethan and Hannah Lewis, Heather and Thomas Odell, and Amber Elliott & husband Trae; great-grandchildren: Megan and Jacob Elliott; stepchildren: Dianne High & husband Kenneth of Magnolia, TX, Sue Gheen of Rockwall, TX, Christine Crow & husband Bill of Forney, TX, and Tommy Joe Gheen & wife Anna of Rockwall, TX; sisters: Dezilee Pepper, Louvenia Friday, Ruey Stewart and Cynthia Hammond; brother: Henry Stevenson; numerous nieces and nephews; ten stepgrandchildren, and 15 stepgreat grandchildren. After he remarried, he considered his stepchildren his own, and loved them dearly. J.R. was preceded in death by his parents; first wife: Merle Stevenson; stepson: Randolph Gheen; sister: Ruth Sweet; and brothers: R.T., Frankie and Eugene Stevenson.

Funeral services were held October 19, 2007, at Eastern Hills Baptist Church, 4406 Broadway, Garland, TX, with Dr. David Hall officiating. Interment was held October 20, 2007 at the Evergreen Cemetery, Main St., Jasper, TX, with Pastor Bryan South of First Baptist Church Jasper officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Eastern Hills Baptist Church or First Baptist Church Jasper Building Fund.

For more information please visit www.resthavenfuneral. com

REST HAVEN ROCKWALL CHAPEL

2500 State Highway 66 East

ROCKWALL, TEXAS Phone (972) 771-8641