Lavaun and Scott Stevens

Scott Stevens passed away at the age of 53 on April 2, 2014, in Bisbee, Arizona, after succumbing to complications from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which he had been battling since 1999.  He left behind his father Clark Stevens (Jo Beth); mother Lavaun Stevens; his three sisters and their spouses, Vickie Stevens (Steve), Catherine Stevens-Meraz (Henry), and Jennifer Cartledge (Frank); seven beloved nieces and nephews, Stacie (Ray) Armenta, Caleb Griffith, Alyssa Toledo, Marissa Meraz, Angelique Iglesias, Mateo Iglesias, and Ramon Armenta, as well as, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, & close friends.

Scott attended schools in Iowa, where he won numerous awards in swimming, football, wrestling, and track.  Scott went on to graduate from Northeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor's degree in computer Science.  He then worked for Southwestern Bell/AT&T in St. Louis, Missouri, as a computer programmer for over 20 years.  He eventually relocated to Arizona to be closer to his immediate family, who tended to his care during his final years, along with his beloved caregivers.

Scott loved to laugh, and he will forever be remembered for his beautiful smile, his sense of humor, and his generous spirit.  He will also be remembered for the dignity and courage he showed each and everyday during times of great adversity.  Scott loved his friends and family, he cherished his Friday night poker games with the "guys," he mentored others with MS, and he truly was an inspiration to those who knew him.

Lavaun Stevens, age 78, went home to be with Jesus after an extended illness on April 13, 2014.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Maude Barrett, her brother, Virgil Barrett, her brother-in-law, Ken Pruitt, and her son, Scott Stevens.  She leaves behind three siblings, Clare (Susanna) Barrett, Charlie (Suzanne) Barrett, Lurene Pruitt, two sister-in-laws Dorothy Barrett & Mary Stevens, and a brother-in-law Ron Stevens; three daughters and their spouses; Vickie Stevens (Steve), Catherine Stevens-Meraz (Henry), and Jennifer Cartledge (Frank); seven beloved grandchildren, Stacie (Ray) Armenta, Caleb Griffith, Alyssa Toledo, Marissa Meraz, Angelique Iglesias, Mateo Iglesias, and Ramon Armenta.  She also leaves behind her ex-husband & friend, Clark Stevens, as well as, numerous nieces & nephews.

Lavaun attended primary schools in Iowa, and went on to become a registered nurse after graduating from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Des Moines, Iowa.  She worked in various capacities in the nursing field throughout her adult life, and was actively involved in rendering support to those suffering from HIV/AIDS, having started one of the first support groups in Iowa. She eventually left the nursing field and worked as a sorority mother for numerous years at the Alpha Phi Sorority at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Lavaun is most known for her kindness, compassion, and giving spirit.  She often put the needs of others above herself, especially those of her children.  She had a great sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and a genuine care and concern for all people.  She loved arts and crafts, especially card stamping with her sister, Lurene, and her sister-in-law, Dorothy.  She loved spending time with her family, she was an avid sports fan, and she adored going to thrift stores with her children.

The family will greatly miss Lavaun and Scott's laughter, hugs, and beautiful smiles, but we are comforted by the fact they are both in their heavenly homes, with their new heavenly bodies, and there is no more suffering because they are in the loving arms of their Lord and Savior--Jesus Christ.  Although we are saddened by the loss of our loved ones, we look forward to the day we will be reunited with them, and we all live together in our forever home.

A Celebration of Life service will be announced at another date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: BBFI (Baptist Bible Fellowship International) Mission Office, PO Box 802757, Kansas City, MO 64180-2757, designated to Lance and Melanie Gotcher, Missionaries to the Philippines.   Condolences can be sent to www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.