Obituary of Janice Lee Stevenson

STEVENSON, Janice Lee (Dawkins) Age 85, of Tucson, Arizona passed away early on Friday, May 19, 2017 at Peppi's House Hospice succumbing to a long struggle with COPD and osteoporosis. Janice was born to David and Muriel Dawkins in Lawton, Oklahoma on December 20, 1931 and relocated to Lubbock, Texas at an early age. She graduated from Lubbock High School in 1949 and enrolled in Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University) graduating May 25, 1953 with a BBA/ Accounting. She met her future husband, James Stevenson, in the spring of their Freshman year and they dated for the next three years before both graduated on May 25, 1953. They were married the following day, and after a short honeymoon relocated to Wichita, Kansas where both had employment waiting. After James's two year naval service was completed in 1957 and now including daughter Jeana, born in 1955, the family relocated from Point Loma, CA to Tucson where James had employment waiting. In 1958 son, David joined the family and Wayne in 1961. In the 70's, Janice enrolled in the University of Arizona studying music, painting, art history, lithography - all eventually resulting in a BFA in Studio Art from the University of Arizona. She used her artistic talents/interest in growing orchids, creating stained glass art, and particularly quilts. She had an eye for beauty and color in everything. She also felt called to participate in her church's sacred dance group. Survivors include husband, James Stevenson of Tucson; daughter, Jeana Stevenson (Bob Rantz) of Williams, AZ; son, David Stevenson of Tucson and son, Wayne Stevenson (Amy Mason) of Jersey City, NJ. Also granddaughter, Jessica Desjardins (Chip Desjardins) of Hoboken, NJ and grandsons, Daniel Stevenson of Denver, CO, John Stevenson of Brooklyn, NY, and Andrew Stevenson of Tucson. Also surviving is beloved sister-in-law, Frances Butler of Colorado Springs, CO. Services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at the ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd., Tucson, AZ with interment following at All Faiths Cemeteries, 2151 S. Avenida Los Reyes, Tucson, AZ 85748. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to TMC Hospice/Peppi's House, 5301 E. Grant Road,Tucson, AZ 85712.