Phyllis I. Stevens

Phyllis I. Stevens, 94, of Jackson, Mich., passed away May 2, 2016, at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. She was born Sept. 21, 1921, in Negaunee, Mich., the daughter of Leo J. and Ilene (LaCombe) Lirette. Following her mother’s death at a young age, she and her father moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., where she grew up attending Ann Arbor schools. She was a member of the 1939 class of Ann Arbor High School. During World War II, she trained as a nurse’s aide and worked at the University Hospital assisting with the care of wounded returning soldiers. On Jan. 11, 1946, she married LeRoy Stevens in Ann Arbor. They had two children, Roger (Connie) Stevens of Dunnellon, Fla., and Linda (James) Neely of Brooklyn, Mich., who survive.

Following her husband’s retirement, they wintered in Florida for a number of years as well as spending the summers in the U.P. and later, Brooklyn. While in Florida, Phyllis was an avid shuffleboarder and was the recipient of numerous trophies. Phyllis later spent the winters in Sahuarita, Ariz., with her daughter and son-in-law where she made many friends and where she became affectionately known as Mom.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2001 and one sister, Betty DeGabriel. She is survived by a number of nieces and nephews; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Phyllis was an inspiration to all who knew her and she will be sadly missed by her family and friends. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the loving and caring staff at Legacy Assisted Living as well as the 6th floor staff at Henry Ford Allegiance Health for their exceptional care and compassion to Phyllis and her family.

Phyllis’ family will greet friends Wednesday, May 18, 2016, from 10 a.m. until the time of the noon memorial service at the Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Braun Chapel, Brooklyn. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Phyllis may do so to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Cascades Humane Society or a charity of their choice.

Please sign Phyllis’ guestbook at www.borekjennings.com or leave a message of comfort for the Stevens family by calling 877-231-7900.

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