Debra Roach Stevison, 60, a resident of Moss Bluff, La., passed from this life onto her eternal reward on March 18, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.
Debbie was no stranger to hardship. Along with her brothers and sisters, she persevered through difficult times, not realizing that God was preparing her tenacity and determination for the struggles that would lie ahead. Though her challenges came in many ways, she remained steadfast, choosing, rather, to encourage everyone else along life’s way.
As a young girl, she began riding the church bus to First Pentecostal Church of Westlake. Little did she know how that decision would alter her destiny. It was there that she fell in love with Jesus Christ, serving Him faithfully until she took her last breath.
At the age of 15, she was welcomed into the home of Johnny and Barbara Bankens. They loved her as if she was their own, for which she was forever grateful.
On Dec. 14, 1979, she married the love of her life, Greg Stevison. Within five years of marriage, God blessed her with three wonderful boys.
Her professional career included working at the Business Office of St. Patrick’s Hospital, teaching for many years at Lakewood Christian Academy and Covenant Grace, and Office Manager at Apex Alarms.
She served her church faithfully, often in the background, unmentioned but not unnoticed. She served as the church librarian, honoring the person whom the library was named after and her dear friend, Pam Creel Queen. Her passion was teaching Sunday School, perhaps, because that’s how she started. Only eternity will tell how many individuals have been impacted by her ministry.
Undoubtedly, her proudest role in life was being “DeeDee” to her nine grandchildren. It was not uncommon for her to always have at least one grandchild spending the night regardless of how she felt. She made certain they knew how to “have church” and prayed earnestly that they would continue to serve the Lord.
She is preceded in death by her father, Newton Arthur Roach; brother, Henry “Andy” Andrus Roach; and sister, Carolyn Jean Roach.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Greg Stevison; three sons, Lee Stevison and wife Theresa, Tyler Stevison and wife Bridgette, and Heath Stevison and wife Jessica; her nine loving grandchildren, Saydee Stevison, Eian Stevison, Sophee Stevison, Owen Stevison, Ava Stevison, Liam Stevison, Millie Stevison, Asher Stevison, and Maci Stevison; mother, Margie Simmons Roach; siblings, Mavis Roach Harger and husband Brian “Bo,” Rusty Roach and wife Donna, Patricia Roach LaPolt and husband Ronald, Eddie Roach, Linda Roach Cox and husband David; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jacob Harger, Joshua Harger, Byron Gradney, Jared Fontenot, Kade Chisholm, Michael Guillot, Brad Hoffpauir, and Steven Scalia. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Shane Harger, Shawn Harger, and Ryan Roach.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in the sanctuary of First Pentecostal Church of Westlake from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Visitation will continue Wednesday, March 23, 2022, from 11 a.m. until the time of service. A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2022. The Rev. Mark Stanton, The Rev. Rod Bankens, The Rev. Sean Chisholm, and The Rev. Tyler Stevison are to officiate. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sunday School Department of Ragley First Pentecostal Church.
Memories and words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.lakesidefh.com