Joan Crane Stevenson
February 19, 1937 - December 6, 2020
Rock Hill, South Carolina - - Joan Crane Stevenson, 83, died suddenly Sunday afternoon at her home, ending a long chapter of passionate commitment to children's literacy and unparalleled concern for others.
Joan spent her entire life in Rock Hill, graduating with an early childhood education degree from Winthrop College (now University). For more than three decades, she made her mark on elementary school students, primarily third-graders – in Fort Mill and at Finley Road Elementary. Her second career was in children's books. After working for 10 years at R.L. Bryan Publishing in Columbia, Joan started her own children's book company: TKO (Turn Kids On).
She not only sought out and got to know authors, she helped elevate their careers. Joan became a VIP at book conventions all over the country. Her tireless work as an evangelist for children's literacy was honored earlier this year with the Judy Redman Lifetime Achievement Award.
Once her beloved son Neal had children, Grace (15) and Sam (7) became the center of her universe. She shared books and her love of reading with them, and she delighted in their literary brilliance.
Joan was a longtime member of Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church, where she served for many years as the wedding and funeral director.
She was predeceased by her former husband, Bruce O'Neal Stevenson. In addition to son Neal, his wife Amy and their two children, all of Rock Hill, Joan is survived by sisters-in-law Mary Ella Turney, Judy Pittman, and Linda Jordan of Rock Hill, as well as Anne Clapham of Charlotte. Also, Joan's survivors include many cousins who loved her dearly.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joan's memory to Reach Out and Read (reachandread.org).
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald from Dec. 11 to Dec. 12, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Stevenson

9 Entries

Paula Hough

December 15, 2020

Loved, loved, loved “Mrs. Stevenson”, Joan in later years. We kept in touch since I was in the 3rd grade at Finley Road Elementary School, Rock Hill, SC. She inspired me when I was her student, making learning and reading a big part of my life. She continued to inspire me as I began my teaching career, reminding me that content is important, but rapport with your students is just as important. I knew Mrs. Stevenson loved me and cared about me the first day I entered her classroom in, hmmmm, 1965. Rest In Peace

Mike Hammond

December 15, 2020

Joan was my 3rd grade teacher. Gosh, such a long time ago, 56 years. She was such a bright light that I still have vivid memories. She moved on to be a great author, mentor, and so much more. I can’t say that her light has been extinguished here on earth. Because she left a beacon of brilliance that will shine forever. She will be missed. My heart goes out to all of her family and friends. It is a comfort to know that her peacefulness brings a calm to all that knew her and was touched by her.

Cynthia W. Grist

December 15, 2020

Neal,
Aunt Net and your Mom were always so kind and thoughtful to me. I would like to talk to you and/or send you a note about one of the valuable things she did. I'd rather not print it publically. Please email me @ [email protected]. Thank you.
You, Amy, Grace, and Sam were the sunshine of your Mom's life! My heart goes out to all of you. Hold fast to your wonderful memories to give you peace.
Cynthia Wood Grist

Sue Rawls

December 12, 2020

To Joan’s family — I had the privilege of knowing Joan for many years. What a constant source of inspiration she was for all of us in education.She never met a book she did not love. Here’s wishing you all comfort in the fact that your mom touched so many lives in such a positive way. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Harriet Price Leazer

December 11, 2020

She was my teacher at Finley Rd way back in the day. Until this day she was always fondly remembered and my favorite teacher of all times.
Prayers and heart felt sympathy to her family.

Harriet Price Leazer

December 11, 2020

She was my teacher at Finley Rd way back in the day. Until this day she was always fondly remembered and my favorite teacher of all times.

Lou Norman Giles

December 11, 2020

Mrs Crane was one of my favorite teachers. Prayers for your family

Trish & Lash LeRoux

December 11, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stevenson Family. May the many wonderful memories of Joan bring you comfort during this time.

Melanie Fagan Guill

December 9, 2020

Joan was like my Winthrop Mama! We shared a love of Children’s literacy! Book talking and sharing new books was always the highlight of our visits!
Joan loved BIG! I was blessed to have had her as a teacher and then a treasured friend!
Joan, you will be missed but never forgotten! Love you my friend! Until we meet again, thank you, I love you and look forward to seeing you again one day!

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