Obituary of Leona Stevens

ATKINS, VIRGINIA: LEONA H. STEVENS, age 81, died Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at her home surrounded by her family, in Atkins, Virginia. She was born July 14, 1931 in Atkins, Virginia. Leona's church, family and music were the passions in her life. She was the organist and music director for several area First Churches of God. She also played the organ for many weddings, funerals and an array of other church services and events. She was a past president of the Marion Pilot Club and formerly the Virginia State President of the First Church of God Women's Missionary Society. Leona served the community in various positions during her lifetime including working at the Bank of Marion; a past director of both Happy Haven and Marion Child Care Center, and eventually retired from Dr. George Gilliam's dentistry office. Leona was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Clarence A. "Steve" Stevens and her mother, Ona Mae McKaughan. She is survived by three daughters, Dianna Stevens of Atkins, Virginia, René S. Rowland of Groseclose, Virginia and Tabatha Seymore and husband, Mike of Rural Retreat, Virginia; two precious granddaughters who always made her eyes gleam, Olivia Mae "Dumplin" Seymore and Myra Michelle "Sweetie Pie" Seymore; and special cousins Dorothy Cortner of Marion, Virginia and Helen Shupe of Atkins, Virginia. Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Reverend Donn Sunshine and Reverend Neville Mozingo officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion, Virginia. A visitation and celebration of Leona's life will be held Saturday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. The family will receive friends at her home in Atkins at any time. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Wytheville First Church of God Music Department, P.O. Box 874, Wytheville, Virginia 24382. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Stevens Family.