Julia "Joyce" Steveson

On December 9, 2025, Julia Joyce (Bowden) Steveson took her final earthly breath at her home in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, and entered her heavenly reward. She was 101 years old. Joyce was born in Darling Township in Muskogee County on October 31, 1924, to Edward Kara and Bertha (Cobb) Bowden. Her mother passed away when Joyce was just four years old, and she was later blessed with a wonderful bonus mother, Eva (Brantley) Bowden. Joyce graduated from Wainwright High School in May 1944. She married the love of her life, Leon Steveson, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on January 9, 1948. Throughout their marriage, she worked alongside Leon in many business ventures. A devoted Christian, Joyce attended Calvary Faith Church for several decades. Some of her favorite joys in life included playing dominos, serving in her church, and watching the Fort Gibson Tiger basketball teams. She enjoyed bowling and even scored over 100 in her 90s. Joyce was well-known for her famous coconut cream pies. Above all, her greatest joy was attending the events of her grandchildren and supporting them in every way. Joyce was always willing to help and encourage others. Her generosity touched countless lives. She was happiest when surrounded by people-especially children-and her love for God was evident in the way she lived each day. Joyce is lovingly survived by her son, David Steveson, and wife Kathy of Broken Arrow; siblings Wanda Cook of Tulsa, OK, and Bobby Bowden of Comanche, OK; eleven grandchildren: Jeff Clinkenbeard, Trisha Cook, Ronald Ray Steveson, Andrea McElmurry, Gina Sonnier Kerr, Kristin Schriks, Julia Checotah, Barry Steveson, Elizabeth Steveson, Joshua Steveson, and Radell Parris; sixteen great-grandchildren: Kinsey Clark, Rachel Schapp, Leroy Pruitt, Alex McElmurry, Randall Pruitt, Turner Pruitt, Jacob Checotah, Addison Schriks, Dawson Steveson, Jillian Schriks, Alec Parris, Cason Kerr, Clara Steveson, Joelle Steveson, Cale Parris, and Noble Kaselak; one great-great-grandchild, Henry Clark; and her special friend, Rene Miller, along with numerous other friends and family members. She is preceded in death by her husband, Leon Steveson; children Carol Westerman, Ray Steveson, and Pat Longan-Looney; and siblings Melvin, James, Lucille, Irene, E.K., Lawrence, Bonnie, and Joe.

A visitation with the family receiving friends will be 5PM-7PM, Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson.

Joyce's life will be celebrated 1:00PM, Friday, December 12, 2025, at Calvary Faith Church in Fort Gibson with Reverend Don Reed officiating and Brother Billy Rains and Joyce's son, David Steveson, eulogizing. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Citizens Cemetery with Ronald Ray Steveson, Barry Steveson, Joshua Steveson, Leroy Pruitt, Alex McElmurry, Randall Pruitt, Turner Pruitt, and Cason Kerr-all grandsons and great-grandsons serving as casket bearers.

The family of Julia Joyce Steveson has entrusted her care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555.

Online condolences may be left for the Steveson family @ clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com.