Naomi Stevenson

Naomi Ruth Stevenson was born to the late Mary & William Grant on April 19, 1944 in Beckley, West Virginia, a coal mining community nestled in the beautiful hills. She was the youngest of ten children and gave her life to Christ at an early age. 

Naomi was an Octogenarian born after the great depression and the economic effects of World War II. As a part of the “silent generation” Naomi adopted the principles of hard work, frugality and delayed gratification. She was affectionately serious and critical at times but had the patience of Job. With a sarcastic wit and sense of humor, she was wildly adorable, stubborn and lovable.

Naomi graduated from Stratton High School in Beckley. As a young woman, Naomi left the coal hills of West Virginia for Ohio after being swept of her feet by a handsome young man named Mr. John Berry. Some years later, Naomi married Mr. Raymond Stevenson who was a Charter Brother of Harvey Alston Sr. Lodge #1755. On April 4, 1992 Naomi became a Charter Daughter of Nefertiti Temple #1377 beginning her legacy of leadership and service. 

True to her generation, Naomi worked hard and did not believe in being idle. She worked at St. Ann’s Hospital on E. Long Street and retired from Franklin County MRDD. She kept her hands busy with botany. She even helped neighbors design flower beds and grow plants for themselves. She also loved to cook. Naomi’s oldest sister Julia taught her how to cook and sew and she lost herself in preparation and presentation. Cooking from scratch, the aroma of homecooked food got her boys ran out of the kitchen. Her favorite perfected dish was sweet potatoes but her greens were exceptional as well. 

Naomi was blessed with two adorable sons, Darrel & Stevie. Darrell the silent and Stevie the loud. Naomi nicknamed them salt & pepper as they were as different as night and day. Stevie terrorized Darrell and Naomi was the mediator. Both her boys were bigger and taller than her however Darrell and Stevie had two fears in their life. One was God and the other was Naomi. She may have been petite in stature but she was old school and the phrase,” I brought you into this world and I will take you out was common in her household.” 

When she had down time, Naomi filled her home with music. She enjoyed gospel soul and R & B. The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Night to name a few. She liked songs that told a story and made you sing along with the record. Naomi was a brilliant reflection of faith and beauty as well. She was well composed, beautifully adorned and reasonably quiet until the Ohio State Buckeyes came on. She was a huge fan and had no problem cheering her team on. Until 2022, Dgtr. Stevenson served Nefertiti Temple #1377 as Doorkeeper and was deemed Emeritus. She was also awarded Life Time membership from the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World. 

This last year, Naomi Ruth ran a good race and fought a good fight and has now finished her course. In her final hours, Naomi asked God to allow her to leave this world in peace. On September 15, in the year of our lord twenty- twenty- four, surrounded by her loving family Ms. Naomi Ruth Stevenson went from labor to reward. God granted her wish and opened the gates to receive his daughter back home.

Naomi Stevenson is preceded in death by her father, William Henry Grant; and mother, Mary L. Grant; aunts, Mamie Walker (Harrisburg Pa.) and Eva Williamson (Reidsville, NC); brothers, Wille R., Allen ( JC), James, George (Billy), Bishop Johnny and Sylvester all of Beckley; sister, Julie Brown; and son, Steven “Stevie” Stevenson. 

She leaves to cherish her memory, son, Darrell DeWayne Berry; daughter in love, Lynette Sanders Berry; special friends, Gail Marie Grant, Louise Emanuel, Darlene Smith, Julie Reid, Nefertiti Temple #1377 and a host of daughters and brothers.