Lizzie Jean Stevenson

Lizzie Jean Stevenson was born in Tchula, Mississippi on February 7, 1948, and passed peacefully at home on April 4, 2026. She was one of nine children of Charlie and Amanda Lacy. As a child, she was always interested in Nursing, she enjoyed being with her brothers and sisters. She enjoyed much laughter, games, dancing, and church. She finished high school in 1966; lived in Memphis, TN for a while. Always feared God and was saved in 1966 under the leadership of Pastor Johnathon Rodgers of Memphis, TN.

Married a family friend John Stevenson in 1968 and lived in Washington, DC as John was stationed in the US Army there. They were the proud parents of four beautiful daughters (Machon, Rolanda, Valinda & Thelma). Grandparents of six children (Jalen, Akokie, Lacy, Ava, Leah and Eden). Mom enjoyed parenting and especially loved being “Granny.”

Jean enjoyed people, especially the aged! She along with Sis. Margaret Sullen and Deacon Frank McGraw started the Junior User Board at Sanders Temple, under the leadership of Elder and Mother Sander. She was involved with the Mothers Board and many Sundays she and Dad would have the most of them over for dinner and take them back to church for night service.

Jean loved to make meals at home, take them to the needy and the sick & shut-in, youth ministry and attending retreats.

Jean believed in respect and empowerment of equality such as Equal Rights and she credits the belief in God due to the advancement of the racial and poverty-stricken endurance in Mississippi and elsewhere. Jean taught her children the “YOU CAN DO IT” and “NEVER SAY NO” attitude!

In 1980 she was blessed to pursue her desired Nursing Degree! She credited this success venture to God and her husband, John Stevenson. Before starting school, Jean discussed it with John and he said “Jean, you can’t be no nurse, you are too nervous!” Jean started the program anyway. Thelma, the youngest was only 8 months old. When John saw her efforst he said, “Jean, I will send you to school.” Mom said, “Oh God, what a wonderful husband you blessed me with!” John would gas her car every week and give her the checkbook every semester. It was difficult as John worked from 3-11 pm. Therefore, Jean would study on the floor as she monitored Thelma, she would also study in the car at church and while she waited for her kids to finish their many activities. Jean credited Sis Rosie Fields for her wherewithal, as she would study with Mom many nights on the phone. Jean graduated nursing school in 1982 as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

After graduating, she worked many places part-time on the 11-7 pm shift. She would often say that she did not “have to work,” but she wanted to have her money. Jean wanted to become a Registered Nurse and attended several colleges. Jean and her eldest daughter, Machon were supposed to graduate college the same year, however Machon became gravely stricken with Multiple Sclerosis. Mom immediately suspended her education and took a two-year family leave from work to care for Machon and reconstruct her family as a priority. As they brought Machon home against medical advice, she ensured her children understand that Machon needs were great but she was not the only family member with needs. She said “I’m busy, but not too busy.”

Jean retired from St. Vincent’s with 17 years of service, however Jean worked part time at nursing homes. Jean lived a rich life full of love and faith. Jean loved road trips, family, cooking, shopping and meeting new people. Jean was never afraid to tell her journey from picking cotton in Mississippi to Indianapolis.

In the words of Jean Stevenson, “GOD gets the glory and I get the ‘Blessing.’”

Her legacy and memory will be cherished by her two surviving daughters: Rolanda Brown (Ronald) of Atlanta, Thelma Stevenson of Indianapolis, and grandchildren: Jalen Stevenson, Akobie Woodley, Lacy Neberieza, Ava Burt, Leah Neberieza and Eden Burt. Siblings Trudy Mackie and Andrew Lacy, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughters, Machon Stevenson and Valinda Burt (husband John Burt) and brothers Charlie Lacy, Ben Lacy, Austin Lacy and sisters Essie Mae Lacy, Shinettee Willians and Rebecca Phillips.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Washington Park North Funeral Home, 2706 Kessler Blvd. W. Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46228. Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 10th at Washington Park North Funeral Home - visitation from 10 - noon and services at noon.