Dorothy Stevens, a special education teacher and co-founder of Christ Center Church of God, passed away on September 12 at the age of 86.
Stevens dedicated three decades to guiding students within the Philadelphia school system. She was renowned for her high standards, patient instruction, and her remarkable ability to bring out excellence in every student.
Born on January 28, 1939, in Charleston, South Carolina, Stevens was lovingly raised by her grandparents. She graduated from Burke High School in 1957, then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Benedict College. She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree from Antioch University and certification in special education.
Her family fondly recalled that she “taught life lessons at home, church, and in the community, using handwritten assignments and scriptures.” One of her favorite lessons to teach was entitled, “Make Sure You Call on Jesus.”
Stevens and her husband, the Rev. David Stevens, shared 63 years of marriage and a lifelong partnership in ministry. Together, they founded the Christ Center Church of God on Chelten Avenue, as well as Sound Marriages—an international marriage and family ministry focused on building strong relationships through counseling, discussions, writings, and various media.
“Dorothy’s life was a curriculum of faith, love, and purpose,” her family said in a tribute. “Though she and her siblings faced early loss, Dorothy’s life became a master class in resilience, faith, and love.”
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Sr. and Dorothy Johnson Grimball, and her grandparents, Elias and Julia Smoak Johnson.
Dorothy Stevens is survived by her husband; children Michael (Rebecca), Shana (Brian), Faith (Russell), and David (Robin); ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.
Services were held on September 26 at Batchelor Brothers & Jones Funeral Services.
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https://www.phillytrib.com/obituaries/dorothy-stevens-retired-special-education-teacher-dies-at-86/article_3692fd73-dbf9-417a-845c-e55119ef328a.html
