Nancy Jane Stevens

Nancy J. Stevens, 77, of Albuquerque, was raised up to her Heavenly home Sunday, July 17, 2022. Nancy was born Sunday, July 1, 1945, in St. Louis, MO, the oldest among four sisters. Born Nancy Jane Boardman, her parents were Herbert and Irene Boardman. Nancy was predeceased by sister, Debbie Prather; and is survived by sisters, Linda Fite and Dee Dee Brunson.

Nancy happily married her devotedly loving, fantastic husband, Vearle Dean Stevens, March of 1964. Nancy’s sister, Linda, notes: “Dean was the first to recognize that he and Nancy were meant to be.  The story is that he saw Nancy sitting in her car and asked his friend, “Who’s that? Do you suppose she’d go out with me?” The friend said, “No way – definitely not!” So, Dean asked her out in his typically optimistic and charming fashion; she (of course) said “yes” — he was, after all, irresistible — and the rest, as they say, is history. Dean and Nancy were always generous with their help, their love, and their resources. Their road was sometimes rough, but they took it in stride and created a relationship that was a stronghold for the rest of the family”.

After 39 years as husband and wife, Dean went home to Heaven on Thursday, August 14, 2003. Nancy is survived by daughter, Deborah Leigh Gray (husband, Robert); stepson, Anthony “Tony” Stevens; grandchildren, Justin Gray, Travis Stevens, Jessica Leigh Shaylynn Cherry (husband, Tyler), and Brandon Stevens. She also leaves behind other cherished family, along with beloved friends.

Thoughts that come to mind regarding Nancy include courageous, fun-loving/loved to tease and be teased, caring, relational, thoughtful, kind, tenacious, and unwaveringly inspiring faith. Son-in-law, Robert Gray, called her “Saint Nancy” and would say that as long as she’s here, we can know the rapture hasn’t occurred yet!

The introductory paragraph of Nancy’s last will and testament included these words: “I, Nancy J. Stevens, mindful of the brevity of this life, and having placed my faith and confidence in Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord, who redeemed my soul through His shed blood and death upon Calvary’s cross for my sins and who thus assures me of eternal life, do hereby make, publish and declare this to be my last will and testament.”

John 3:16-17 affirms, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

In honoring Nancy, memorial contributions may be made to MS Society: Arizona-New Mexico Chapter, 5025 E Washington Street Suite 102, Phoenix, AZ 85034, (800) 344-4867, or online at www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/AZA