Ms. Bendetta Stevenson

BENDETTA EVAN STEVENSON, affectionately known to family and friends as “Benny” was born to the late Reverend Spurgeon B. Stevenson and Eleanor Harris on March 25th, 1949 in Winston-Salem, NC. She peacefully transitioned from this earthly life to her heavenly father’s arms at 12:40pm on October 29th, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. Raised in a home built on a strong spiritual foundation, she gave her life to Christ at an early age at the church her father pastored, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Winston-Salem, NC. Raised in the 25th Street area and attending the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, she graduated from Atkins High School in 1967. Bendetta Stevenson worked for the Winston-Salem Journal for several years until she gained employment with the City of Winston-Salem where she worked for 21 years until she retired. During her career, she returned to school and obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from High Point University in 1996, followed by a master’s degree in business administration degree in 1999. After retiring, she remained dedicated to strengthening her community by volunteering at Crisis Control Ministry for 18 years. Strongly committed to sharing her love of African culture, “Benny” opened her own African art studio, called Be Better Enterprises, selling and educating the public about African art, essential body oils and incense. She was featured in several articles in the Winston-Salem Chronicle, the Marvtastic Society and other publications. She found happiness in being with her family, especially her granddaughter and her children, cooking, dancing, listening to music, attending cultural events with her close friends and shopping for unique art and furniture. Bendetta was known for her sense of humor, intellect, style and no-nonsense personality. She held within her a wealth of knowledge and could easily provide you with an immediate recap of the news in the world. Her home was truly a living studio of her passions, filled with African and African American art, one-of-a-kind furniture, family heirlooms and photos of her loved ones. Fond memories of Benny are her performance of a ballerina at her family reunion in 1990, and amazing dishes of company potatoes and pineapple coconut cake. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Margaret Diane Stephens and Blondean Stevenson Foster, and her brother Spurgeon “Sonny” Odell Stevenson II. Bendetta leaves to cherish her memories her two children: Dacien Juane Davis of Winston- Salem, NC and Dr. Janae Marie Davis of Myrtle Beach, SC.; her loving granddaughter Morgan Davis along with her four sisters: Vivian Walters, Mary Ann King, and Wanda Stevenson Cager, of the city and Gladys Patten of Los Angeles, CA. Her memories will also be shared between a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Forever memories of fun, laughter, and long conversations will be missed by her close friend, Carmen Caruth, sister-in-law Sandra Stevenson and daughter-in-law Toyoka Moore Davis. From Service to Reward, She Has Laid Down Her Burdens and We Must All Find the Beauty In Life Fulfilled. A public viewing will be held Friday, November 5, 2021 from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 12:30pm from New Hope Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 12:00pm. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.

Tributes

Ms. Bendetta Stevenson

March 25, 1949 - October 29, 2021