Laverne Stevens

Rose Laverne Stevens, the last of nine children, was born September 20, 1936, to James Edward Shafer and Robbie Ann Frasier Shafer. She went to meet her Lord and Savior and the love of her life, Bennie Stevens, on July 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and dear friends.

Laverne was a longtime member of the Church of God of Prophecy, where she served in numerous capacities over the years, including Sunday School, Children’s Church, VBS, Youth Camp, and as the “Temporary” Secretary/Treasurer for forty-three years! Most recently, she attended Calvary Baptist, where her only task was to bask in the goodness of God from the comfort of her pew.

She also enjoyed being a loyal member of the Bay City Kiwanis Club after retiring from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1991. During her free time, Laverne would crochet preemie baby caps for the local pregnancy center, volunteer at MEHOP by setting up new patient file folders, and serve as a mentor to many students in Bay City ISD. She was an avid collector of baseball cards/memorabilia (especially of her favorite team–the Astros, and of her favorite player–Nolan Ryan), Barbie Dolls, and Hallmark Christmas ornaments.

Laverne was preceded in death by her parents, James Edward and Robbie Ann Shafer; her husband, Bennie Jerrell Stevens; her three brothers and wives–James William Shafer (Amanda), Leslie Lee Shafer (Tom), and Robert Eddie Shafer (Della); her five sisters and husbands–Lula Etta Calloway (Wayman), Clara Benedict (Albert), Emma LaRue (Virbel), Annie Titt (Robert), and Bertha Klingaman (Don); Great-Grandson–Kenneth Danforth; Nieces–Ann Desteiguer and Patty Klingaman; and Nephews–Bobby Titt, Jimmy Tate, Tommy Shafer, Jackie Williams, Eddie Klingaman, and Sonny Benedict. Shes survived by her son–James Lee Stevens (Susan); her daughters–Sharon K’Ann Franklin (Richard) and Leslie Diane Stevens; Grandsons–Jeffrey Wayne Stevens (Tammy), Benji Lee Stevens (Leia), Brian Alan Franklin (Tacie), Bradley Clay Franklin (Lyndee), David Anthony Stevens, and Jerry Michael Leftwich (Kat); Granddaughter–Vanessa Elizabeth Stevens; Great-Grandson–Anakin Franklin; Great-Granddaughters–Nicole Stevens (Sam), Tiffany Howell (Casey), Morigan Stevens, Kristin Franklin, Kalyn Franklin, Brightly-Kay Franklin, and Jeanie-Lyn Franklin; Great-Great-Granddaughters–Caroline Howell and Audrey Howell; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive visitors from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, with the funeral service officiated by Rev. Lane Pardue, immediately following from 10:00   AM on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church of Bay City. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, Texas. Pallbearers will be Grandsons–Jeff Stevens, Benji Stevens (with the help of Ron Drachenberg), Brian Franklin, Brad Franklin, David Stevens, and Jerry Leftwich.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bay City Church of God of Prophecy, Calvary Baptist Church, The Stevens Family Scholarship at Texas State University, C/O Jerry Farr, 1012 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcus, TX 78666 (awarded to deserving young graduates from the Bay City community for more than 50 years), or your favorite charity.