Eliza Lester Stevenson

Mother Eliza Stevenson was 79, and departed this life Tuesday December 31, 2019 in Marion County. She was the sister of Betty McLeod. You may visit the family at 505 Lipscomb Ave. Marion.

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at the St. Mary AME Church Sunday January 5, 2020 at 2:30 pm. She will be laid to rest in the Devotion Gardens Cemetery, Mullins.

~ Obituary ~

Eliza Lester Stevenson was granted her angel wings on December 31, 2019. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that she had touched throughout her memorable life.

Eliza was born on Sept 19, 1940 to the late Mr. Willie Lester and the late Mrs. Amelia Emanuel Lester.

Educated in Marion Public Schools, she later attended Benedict College where she was awarded a BA in Education. She completed graduate course work at University of South Carolina. This began her over 30-year career as a Special Education Teacher at many Marion County Schools; including Easterling Primary School and Johnakin Middle School. Eliza loved teaching and her dedication to her students was evident. Throughout her career, she received many awards and accolades; including being honored as Marion County Teacher of the Year.

Eliza, along with her colleague Joan Johnson established “Camp Fun More” for mentally and physically challenged children. Funded solely by donations from local community, civic, and religious organizations, the program ran for 25 years. For their efforts, they were recognized by the Governor of South Carolina as the first recipients of the “I Care” Volunteer Award.

Eliza was a living testimony of her favorite scripture; Proverbs 3: 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” She was a lifelong member of Springville United Methodist Church. She was an active and engaged member; singing on the church choir and working with the Youth Church Usher Board.  She was also a regular visitor at St. Mary A.M.E Church.

On any given day you would find Eliza working tirelessly in her yard or garden. Another favorite pastime of hers was watching back to back episodes of Family Feud or Wheel of Fortune. She enjoyed watching sermons of Pastors Joel Osteen and John Gray. What she enjoyed most was spending time with her Sister Betty ,shopping, cooking, and laughing.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her best friend and sister Betty McLeod of Marion, SC, nine loving nieces and nephews: LeMorris Lester of Johnson City, TN, Marsha Lester of Columbia, SC, Ronald (Jo Ann) Hughes of Columbia, SC, Amelia D. Hughes of Summerville, SC, Pamelia J. Hughes Baldwin of Albuquerque, NM, Ken (Angie) Bolden of Anderson, SC, Jason Bolden of Simpsonville, SC, Sean (Nichole) McLeod of Union, NJ, Adrienne (Kariem) McKay of Edison, NJ, and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and relatives. She also leaves other survivors and special friends: Raymond Timmons, Anita (Rev. Sylvester) Stevenson Magwood, Valarie Stevenson, Nathanial Rowell, Sarah Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brown, and Phyllis Williams.

She was preceded in death by her siblings and in laws: Albert Lester, Addie Lester Hughes, Willie Mae Lester Bolden, Cora Lester, and James McLeod.

Aunt Liza as she was affectionately called by many, will be greatly missed. Though we loved her, God loved her best.

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