Marian Ella Stevens

Marian Ella (Yates) Stevens of Caldwell, Texas, passed away into the loving arms of God on August 5, 2024, at age 92. She was born on December 31, 1931 in Newburgh, New York, the daughter of Morris Yates and Ethlyn Yates. She married Donald A. Stevens in 1951, continuing to live in the locale where she was born. In the late 1950’s, the family moved to Houston, Texas to pursue professional employment.

Marian had a successful professional career. She acquired her masters degree in special education at the University of Houston in the 1970’s. With this education, she worked for nearly 20 years in the Houston Independent School District as a Diagnostician, assessing children for special educational needs, thereby helping both children and their families.

After she and her husband Donald moved to their retirement home (Dogwood Shadows) in the Caldwell area in the middle 1990’s, they became members of Cooks Point Methodist Church in Caldwell. In Caldwell, she developed new friendships, while participating in local community and church activities.

Marian shared her enthusiasm for life---connecting with family, friends, and new acquaintances. She was an active member the local Burleson County Lions Club (member of international Lion’s Club for more than 50 years). She volunteered for years at the Caldwell Christian Care facility. Her interests included reading, appreciating Nature, hosting family gatherings, and lovingly interacting with family (son, daughters, granddaughter, great grandsons and in-laws). Living her faith literally, she could “light” up a room.

She is survived by her children, David Stevens (m. Vickie Stevens) and Nancy Floyd (m. Allan Floyd); son-in-law, Paul Oefinger; granddaughter Melissa Oefinger Weseli (m. Dean Weseli); great grandsons Austin and Evan Weseli, sister-in-law Ruth Yates, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Dr. Robert and Edward Yates, husband Donald A. Stevens (58 years of marriage); and her daughter, Diane Stevens Oefinger.

Memorial Services will be held at Cooks Point Methodist Church, 4902 Presidential Corridor E., at Caldwell, Texas at 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 20. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston, Texas on Monday, August 19.