Mary Ellen Stevens 1956-2021

Born Oct. 9, 1956, to Jerry and Ruth Meyers Bodrick, she was the third daughter of their six children and was affectionately known to her family and close friends as “Bibba.” Mary was educated in the Youngstown City School System and graduated from South High School in 1974.

She married her true love, Edward M. Stevens, on Aug. 27, 1977, which was the beginning of a nearly 43-year union that exemplified love and devotion to their family. This blessed union encompassed three children, six grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter, who were her pride and joy. Mary loved spending time with her grandchildren. She particularly enjoyed their time playing UNO; she taught them the rules and strategies of game and then enjoyed beating them.

Mary was a lifelong member of Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church. She was baptized Feb. 13, 1966, and received the Holy Ghost March 28, 1966. She was active in several auxiliaries within Calvary. Her spirit of competition and love for the word of God led her to become a member of the Youth Department Bible Bowl Team. This dynamic team won championships in the Northern Ohio District Council as well as the Ohio District Council Bible Bowl Competitions. She also served on the Hospitality Committee, Youth and Senior Usher Board, Culinary Department, Concert Choir, its Robe Committee, and when called out, would direct with a great anointing. She took her role as a deacon’s wife seriously and lead with diligence and dedication. She never lost her love for Calvary and Youngstown, and as a result, she and Deacon maintained residences in Youngstown and Wesley Chapel, and came home often.

“To know her was to love her.” Bibba was one of a kind. She had a most contagious laugh that would ignite the room! She was known as the UNO Queen, but her competitive spirit did not stop there. Her serve on the volleyball court was difficult to return — she could place it in the weak spot. On the basketball court, she would not be denied the ball at any cost.

Mary’s career began at Ketchum industries. Tamarkin, Phar-Mor and Altel, and ended at Verizon, where she started as supervisor in financial services. After Verizon Wireless and Altel acquisition, she was transferred to Warrensville, Pa. as a telesales supervisor. Mary’s fierce competition and tremendous passion and leadership lead to her promotion and transfer to Tampa, Fla. She was definitely a “BOSS.”

She leaves to cherish her memory, the love of her life, Deacon Edward M. Stevens; the pride of her life, three children, Dionne (Duane) Turnage, Veronica (Aaron) Coward and Edward M. Stevens Jr., all of Youngstown; six grandchildren, Erilyn Stevens, Ashlyn Stevens-Rucker, Jaden and Arianna Turnage, and Aarion and Addisyn Coward; one great-granddaughter, Synayah; her siblings, Rose Bodrick-Logan, Sallie Bodrick-Ware, Dwayne (Kimberly) Bodrick, Jerry (Doreen) Bodrick, Daryl (Tamira) Bodrick and Trina (Arthur) Thompson; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 15, 2021, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church, with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m. Due to the pandemic, guest are asked to please wear masks and observe social distancing.

A service of love and dignity entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)