Barbara Jo (Petty) Stevenson

In Loving Memory of Barbara Jo (Petty) Stevenson

With hearts both heavy and grateful, we remember Barbara Jo (Petty) Stevenson who departed this world on February 7, 2026, at age 89 in Temple, Texas, leaving behind a legacy woven of love, kindness and quiet grace. Her life was a soft but steady light, one that warmed all who had the good fortune to walk beside her.

Barbara was born on December 5, 1936, in Washington, Indiana, to Mervin Curtis and Chlora Elvira Neal Petty. She would remain their only child.

Barbara married Harry Ross Stevenson on November 10, 1957. They enjoyed 68 years of marriage. They were blessed with three children during their marriage. They lived in Illinois, Kentucky, Florida, Oklahoma and Texas, traveling to different congregations, as the need arose.

Barbara enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking, sewing, animals, theater, travel and most of all, her family. She played the piano, the accordion and sang. She often presented special music at church and took on the role of pianist for the congregation. She taught Sunday school and was host for many gatherings of family and friends and church members.

During her life, she was employed in the office with Golden Rule Insurance in Lawrenceville, Illinois. She retired from University of Central Florida admissions office in Cocoa, Florida.

Barbara lived a full life as daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She opened her home and her heart to the congregations where her husband preached. She worked alongside him and was a blessing to him. She loved the Lord with all her being and worshiped him in the life she lived. While in Lawrenceville, Barbara also made lifelong friendships within the Eastern Star and was honored to serve as Past Worthy Matron. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Though her voice is now a memory and her touch a longing, Barbara endures — in the stories retold, the lessons learned, and the love that continues to ripple outward. She leaves behind family, friends and loved ones who will forever carry them in heart and spirit.

Barbara is survived by her children, Felicia Ann Richardson of Rockdale, Texas, Dale Alan Stevenson and his wife, Deborah Stevenson, of Belton, Texas, and Kevin Lee Stevenson and his wife, Barbara Stevenson, of Cocoa, Florida; her five grandchildren, Guy Edward Richardson Jr., Samantha Compton and her husband, Charles Compton, Kaitlynn Stevenson, Cody Stevenson and Riley Stevenson; five great-grandchildren, Jamy Paige Laywell and Guy Edward III, Jesse Edwin, Adam Blane Richardson and Kaitlyn Compton; and one great-great grandchild, Rose Compton.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

As we say goodbye, we do not say farewell. We release Barbara Jo into rest, trusting her soul has found peace, and that her love remains — steady as the stars, enduring as time itself as she rests with the Lord.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Visitation will be Friday, February 20, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Burial will be in Crest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cookson Hills Christian Children’s Homes.