Stevenson
TEMPLE—With hearts both heavy and grateful, we remember Barbara Jo (Petty) Stevenson, who departed this world on Feb. 7, 2026, at age 89, in Temple, 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 Dec. 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 Nov. 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, mothe r, g r andmot her 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, Dale Alan Stevenson and wife Deborah Stevenson of Belton, and Kevin Lee Stevenson and wife Barbara Stevenson of Cocoa, Florida; her five grandchildren, Guy Edward Richardson Jr., Samantha Compton and husband Charles Compton, Kaitlynn Stevenson, Cody Stevenson and Riley Stevenson; and four great-grandchildren, Jamy Paige Laywell and Guy Edward III, Jesse Edwin and Adam Blane Richardson.
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.
Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 12, 2026.
The funeral will be in Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cookson Hills Christian Children’s Homes.