Odelia Stevenson Obituary (1952 - 2021)

On Friday, May 7, 2021, the earthly life of Odelia Benefield-Stevenson came to a close and she went home to be with our Lord. Odelia Benefield-Stevenson was born to William D. Benefield, Sr. and Audrey M. Benefield on August 19, 1952. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She has dedicated her life to servitude. She graduated from Ball High in Galveston, Texas in the Class of 1970. She married Gilbert Stevenson on February 5, 2014 in Hitchcock, Texas. She worked at St. Mary's Hospital for over 20 years in the Physical Therapy department and part-time in housekeeping. She also worked at UTMB for 18 years as a Patient Technician and 10 years at Gulf Coast Center as CSS and Respite Care Liaison. She was a member at Galilee Baptist Church for 52 years. She served as former president of the Women's Senior Mission Ministry, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, Choir Secretary, as well as Youth, Pastoral and Women's Day Committees. She also was part of the Rainbow Connection with Cancer Kids. She also participated with Church of Prayer in Rockwall and attended Texas Women's Ministry weekly bible study. Odelia was a servant to all. Odelia was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Stevenson; parents, William and Audrey Benefield; brother, Kenneth Paul Benefield; sister, Lorenea Bryant; brother-in-law, Michael Bryant and niece, Sha'Lisa Petteway. Her memory will forever linger in the hearts of her devoted children: son, Duane Crear (Tina) of Hitchcock, Texas and two daughters, Tanika Foster (Donald Jones) of Dickinson and Stacy Papillion (Anthony) of Texas City, Texas. In addition, Odelia leaves behind her stepchildren with the union of Gilbert Stevenson. She also has eight grandchildren: Shirleysha and Duane (children of Duane), Ronald II and Ronan Foster (children of Tanika) and Parysh Dickerson, Majeste Papillion and Irelan Papillion (children of Stacy). She has two great-grandchildren. She leaves to mourn: five brothers, William D. Benefield, Jr. (Cheryl) of Webster, Texas, Harambee W. Thymullah (BiBi) of Austin, Texas, Gerald D. Benefield of Houston, Texas, Gregory Benefield (Bridgette) of Texas City and Ronald C. Benefield (Irish) of Pearland, Texas; four sisters, Jacqueline M. Johnson (D. J.) of Mesquite, Texas; Dolores J. Dotson (Duncan, Sr.) of Rockwall; Bertha L. Benefield of Garland, Texas and Tamiko J. Hinmon (Ryan) of Fate, Texas. Odelia has numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A public visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. followed by the celebration of her life beginning at 12:00 p.m. Bothe events will take place at the chapel of Bay Area Funeral Directors located at 5410 FM 1765 (facing Highway 3) in Texas City, Texas 77591. 409-933-4300. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. at Hayes-Grace Memorial Park in Hitchcock. All memorials may be sent to the funeral home.