Obituary of Helen E. Stevenson

Helen Elizabeth “Beth” Stevenson, 94, wife of William H. Stevenson Jr., died peacefully on August 16, 2016, at her home in Sumter. Born January 31, 1922 in the tiny town of McConnells, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Louis Branch and Elizabeth Burris Branch. A graduate of Winthrop College, she initially worked as Director of Christian Education at the First Presbyterian Church in Sumter and was an active member there for the remainder of her life. She met her future husband, William H. Stevenson Jr., at a church picnic and they were married on February 13, 1954. Beth was a school teacher for thirty years at Willow Drive Elementary School. Surviving are her husband of Sumter; two daughters, Elizabeth Stevenson, M.D. of Slidell, LA; Mary Stevenson of Atlanta, GA; two sons, William H. Stevenson III of Huntsville, AL and David Stevenson of Cumberland, PA; five grandchildren; and a number of relatives from her extended family. A private graveside service with the Rev. Nicholas Cheek officiating will be held Monday at the Sumter Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home, 60 Bryn Mawr. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 9 W. Calhoun Street, Sumter, SC 29150. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.