Carol Dean Stevenson

With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of Carol Dean Stevenson, who departed this life on September 12, 2025, in Olympia, Washington, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She was 67 years old.
Born on April 30, 1958, in Florence, South Carolina, Carol was the cherished daughter of Annie Lee Fulton and Ulysses Fulton. From her earliest days, Carol was known for her warmth, her radiant smile, and her unshakable spirit-a spirit that would go on to touch every life she encountered.
A proud graduate of Wilson Senior High School (Class of 1976) and Florence-Darlington Technical College, Carol's journey led her from the heart of South Carolina to the vibrant streets of Berlin, Germany, where she supported the U.S. Army as a secretary for the Brigade Commander. It was a life of service, care, and excellence-values that defined her long and impactful career in public service, including roles with the City of Florence, Fairchild, Washington State Employment Security, the King County Courthouse, and finally, Washington State Labor and Industries, where she dedicated over two decades before retiring in 2023.
Carol married the love of her life, Randolph Stevenson, on August 18, 1978, in her hometown of Florence. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in love, laughter, and faith. Their journey took them to Lacey, Washington, where Carol spent the last 42 years of her life, raising a family and becoming a pillar of her community.
Carol's heart was fullest when she was surrounded by family-her pride and joy. She was a loving and devoted mother to Kimario Stevenson and Patryce Stevenson-Barrett, and a doting, joy-filled grandmother to Xavier James Stevenson-Barrett and Nevaeh Kimyce Stevenson-Barrett, who affectionately knew her as a source of unwavering love, wisdom, and fun.
A woman of many passions, Carol found joy in the simple and the beautiful-long scenic drives along the Oregon coast, peaceful walks among the blooms of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, cozy afternoons with classic black-and-white films, or humming along to her favorite musical television shows. She had a lifelong love for vintage Barbie dolls, puzzles and Sudoku, and above all, celebrating Christmas, which she infused with joy, sparkle, and tradition.
Her faith was central to her life, and she was a dedicated member of New Life Baptist Church, where her presence and spirit uplifted many.
Carol will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her unforgettable smile, and the kindness that radiated from every corner of her being. Highly organized and endlessly generous, she brought fun and grace to every role she embraced-be it wife, mother, grandmother, sister, or friend. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, service, and strength.
Carol is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years, Randolph Stevenson of Lacey, WA; her children, Kimario Stevenson of Olympia, WA, and Patryce Stevenson-Barrett of Lacey, WA; her grandchildren, Xavier James Stevenson-Barrett and Nevaeh Kimyce Stevenson-Barrett; her brother, Jackie Fulton (Upper Marlboro, MD); and her sister, Lucinda Sellers (Florence, SC). She was preceded in death by her parents, Annie Lee and Ulysses Fulton.
Though she is no longer with us in body, Carol's spirit lives on in the love she sowed, the lives she touched, and the memories she gifted to those who were blessed to know her.
A celebration of Carol's life will be held at a later date in Lacey, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to a brain cancer research foundation or a local hospice care organization.