Betty Joy (Eddings) Stevenson, a beacon of unwavering love and happiness, was born on Friday, November 1, 1946, in Frederick, Oklahoma to the awaiting arms of Ola and Altha (Collins) Eddings. She successfully matriculated through the Frederick/Tillman County school system and was a proud graduate of Boyd High School’s senior class of 1964. Betty was raised in the way of the Lord and professed Christ at an early age. Alongside her family, she was a faithful member of Hawkins Chapel Church of God in Christ in Frederick, OK until she relocated to Wichita Falls, TX.
After moving to Wichita Falls, TX, she was employed at North Texas State Hospital and Levi Strauss for several years. Betty dedicated more than thirty years of her life in diligent service to our nation’s armed forces and their families as a Retail Associate with Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), which is part of the Department of Defense (DOD). Betty’s long career with AAFES afforded her the opportunity to work at several military bases around the county and overseas. After her retirement, she was able to spend more time volunteering in the community, traveling, watching her favorite T.V. shows and sewing. She started a thriving “church handkerchief” business and for many years traveled to church conventions as a vendor, blessing the saints with her beautiful craftmanship.
In the early 1980’s Betty united with Jackson Memorial Church of God in Christ (COGIC) under the leadership of Superintendent Leroy Cleaver. She faithfully served as Jackson Memorial’s Usher Board President and the Wichita District Usher Board President for many years. Betty’s committed service in ministry was impactful both near and far, which included her support and active participation in the Texas Northwest Jurisdiction COGIC Usher Department. She was also licensed as a Missionary.
On February 14, 1992, she married the love of her life Reverend Floyd Stevenson in Wichita Falls, Texas. This union continued in love until her passing. They remained close to each other, and she was the true definition of a help meet to him as in Genesis 2:18. Betty’s commitment to Christian service was unwavering. She was a supportive wife and First Lady for many years during her husband’s pastoral assignments at Mount Zion Baptist Church located in Memphis, Texas for two years; at Mt. Zion Baptist Church located in Seymour, Texas for over 16 years; and at Progressive Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, TX for 8 years, until her husband’s retirement from pastoral service. She diligently served God while serving those congregations as their First Lady. She was always willing and present to perform tasks to help the church body and her husband. Her loving and caring nature was instrumental in fostering church growth. A momentous time in her life was when she and her husband participated in the International Crusade for Southern Baptists in 2009.  They went throughout Jerusalem and Egypt for 14 days winning souls for Christ.
For the last few years Betty has been navigating life through the challenges of symptoms associated with dementia and other chronic conditions. But her faith in God never wavered, she never complained, and always wore a smile.
On Monday, July 8, 2024, she peacefully transitioned to a place that knows no pain or sorrow, a place not made with hands, to forever be with God. Betty’s journey on earth has ended, but her spirit and love will forever remain a cherished part of the lives she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to resonate throughout generations.
Those who patiently awaited her eternal arrival are her parents, Ola and Altha (Collins) Eddings; her sons, Samuel Ray Johnson, Jr. and Floyd Stevenson, II. Her daughter, Angela Evan-Bienemy; her siblings, Annie Mae Tucker, Ola Faye Brown, Arma Gene Hicks, Blanche Carter, Mary Jo Eddings, O.C Eddings, Simon Eddings and Howard Eddings.
Those that remain with her cherished memories, her husband, Reverend Floyd G .Stevenson; her children, Marsha S. Smith (Thomas), Gloria Brodie, Kevin Stevenson, Floyd Stevenson, III., Zachary Fite and Patricia Gamboa. Thirteen Grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Her siblings, Dr. Catherine Gray, Lonnie Eddings and Johnnie Eddings. Also her special son, Matthew Ainsworth (Shelley) and family, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.