Barbara Joyce Williams Stevens, age 86, of Huntsville, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 22nd surrounded by her beloved daughters and family at her home in Atlanta, Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Mildred (York) Williams; her sisters, MiMi Raper and Deloras Mullen; her parents-in-law, Forrest and Mary Lee (Smith) Stevens; and her loving husband of 58 years, Robert Lee “Sonny” Stevens.
She is survived by her daughters, Tracey (Matt) Gibson, Danica (Jeff) Massey, and Heather (Bobby) Neil; her grandchildren, Amber (Zach Roberts) Gibson, Taylor Massey, Hunter (Katelyn) Neil, Allie Massey, Autumn Neil, Mathey Gibson, Annsley Gibson, and Stevens Massey; her sister, Ernestine (Everett) Rushing; and brother-in-law, W. Earl Mullen.
Barbara was born on January 4, 1940, in Cedarbluff, Mississippi. She graduated from Grenada High School in 1957, attended Mississippi College, and earned her degree in English and Secondary Education from Mississippi University for Women in 1961. Upon graduation she moved to Huntsville, Alabama, to begin her teaching career at Joe Bradley School.
After moving to Huntsville, she met the love of her life, Robert “Sonny” Stevens, and they were married in 1963. In 1966, Barbara left her position at Whitesburg Junior High School to devote herself to raising her family that was just beginning. She later returned to teaching part-time in 1982 as an instructor at North Alabama College of Commerce, and as a substitute teacher at Huntsville High and Lee High Schools. In 1992, she resumed full-time teaching and retired in 2001 from the Huntsville City School System with the Academy of Science and Foreign Language, where she taught 8th Grade English and History.
Barbara and Sonny faithfully raised their daughters in a Christ-centered home. They were longtime members of Whitesburg Baptist Church, where Barbara served in Sunday School and participated in missions both locally and internationally. She loved traveling the world with Sonny and treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren. She also served as an officer of the Heritage Junior Woman’s Club of Huntsville, volunteered at all of her girls’ schools, and was a devoted supporter of her husband’s alma mater — The University of Southern Mississippi.
Above all, Barbara loved her Savior, Jesus Christ. She never met a stranger and joyfully shared the love of Christ and the gift of salvation with everyone she encountered. A faithful prayer warrior known for her grace, warmth, and genuine hospitality, she was a cherished friend to many. Her deep love for her family was evident in all she did, and she leaves behind a legacy of faith that will continue to impact generations to come.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28th at Whitesburg Baptist Church, South Campus Chapel. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow. Burial and a graveside service will be held at a later date to be determined by the family at the Florence Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery in Sandersville, Mississippi.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice that continues to proclaim our Savior’s love.
