John Holt Stevens, Sr

John Holt Stevens Sr., 87, passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at his home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As in their life together, his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Casey Stevens was by his side. John was born in Bessemer, Alabama on August 20, 1933, the youngest child of Dr. Charles Hadley Stevens and Grace Truman Weaver Stevens. When John was seven months old, his father accepted the call to return as the pastor of Salem Baptist Church and the family returned to Winston-Salem.  Together with his three older siblings, Grace, Jean, and Charlie, John spent his childhood in Winston-Salem and he graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School. After graduating, he enlisted in the US Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. Soon after John returned from Korea, John’s father had to have surgery and he was admitted to Baptist hospital. During his recovery, Dr. Stevens met a young nurse, Mary Afton Casey and he knew that he wanted to introduce John to her.  John and Mary fell in love and wed on May 25, 1957. Together they had four children, John Holt Stevens Jr, Mary Elizabeth Stevens, Joyce Casey Stevens-Carnevale and Sarah Alice Stevens. Over the years the family grew to include a daughter-in-law, Beth Losey Stevens, sons-in-law Paul Cogswell Hart and Steve Louis Carnavale, and five grandsons, John Holt Stevens III, Patrick Cogswell Hart, Steven Casey Hart, Bryce Stevens Carnevale, Casey Benjamin Carnevale and one great grandson, Rowan Wyatt Stevens. As an adult John lived a full life.  John was an alumnus of Piedmont Bible College, and he later served on the Board of Trustees of his Alma Mater.  He embarked on a career as a claims adjuster and worked for Wachovia and Integon.  In 1980 John decided to become an independent business man and he opened Stevens Adjusters.  He successfully managed the business until he was 80 years old and he inspired his children with his determination and strong work ethic. John particularly inspired his family with his devotion to his Christian walk.  John faithfully served his church and he frequently served on the Board of Deacons. Privately, John spent time everyday in scripture and prayer and always sought to improve himself as a Christian. His devoted wife, Mary; his children; grandchildren; dear sister Grace Stevens Price; dedicated caregiver Lesa Kelly; and those who loved him will always treasure his love of family, church, and country, but most of all they will miss his ready smile, love of dogs and endless supply of dad jokes. Due to COVID-19 concerns, a private memorial service will be held  for the immediate family at Ardmore Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to Ardmore Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.

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