Nancy Crockarell Stevenson

Nancy Crockarell Stevenson passed away on the morning of February 12, at the glorious age of 91, surrounded by her loving family.Nancy was born on January 18, 1929, in Memphis, Tennessee to Sydney Ross and Grace Miller (King) Crockarell. She attended Central High School in Memphis, Tennessee. Following graduation, she attended the University of Tennessee where she met her future husband, Neville Stevenson. Nancy and Neville were married on June 8, 1948. From this union Nancy and Neville were blessed with two daughters, Sydney Suzanne and Lisa Neville.Nancy was a fashion model for several years early in her marriage. She also enjoyed showing her Standard Poodle "Kismet Millie". Nancy played tournament bridge for over 40 years and attended tournaments all around the country. She achieved the designation of "Life Master" in the American Contract Bridge League. She also enjoyed gourmet cooking, gardening, shopping for shoes, painting and jewelry design.After the death of her husband, she was hired as the Executive Director of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where she worked for over eighteen years. She also obtained her real estate license and sold homes for Norma Harris Realty.After retiring from her executive job, Nancy went to work part time for Lancome cosmetics at Dillard's in Penn Square Mall. This career choice was especially fulfilling for Nancy as she loved all things "beauty products"! This would be one of her passions until her passing.In 1980, Nancy met the love of her life, Wally Bender, at "The Bridge Club" in Oklahoma City. Nancy and Wally were blessed to spend many years together playing Bridge, reading, gardening and just spending time together.In 1998, she was diagnosed with a genetic liver disorder and was in need of a liver transplant. Due to the selfless act of a loving family, Nancy was given the gift of life through an organ donation on July 11, 1999. Had it not been for this most precious gift, she would not have been able to meet her fourth grandchild, Loren, and her only great grandchild, Meagan.At the age of 71, Nancy started her own jewelry design business, "Kismet Design". Nancy found her passion for jewelry making after restringing a necklace for her daughter' Suzanne, that had broken. Nancy designed and hand made one of a kind semi-precious stone earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Her business thrived well into her early 80's until age got the best of her and hand tremors prevented her from beading. She was quoted as saying she wanted to be the "Grandma Moses" of the jewelry business.Nancy's beautiful smile, infectious laugh, classic style, and love of life will be missed by her family and friends.Nancy was preceded in death by her mother Grace, father Sydney, and husband Neville.Nancy is survived by the love of her life, Wally Bender; her daughter, Suzanne Lamey and husband, Donny; daughter, Lisa Rogers and husband, Mike; and sister, Lynn Poor and husband, Jim. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Donny Lamey Jr., Kristi Lamey, Tiffany Lamey, Loren Rogers and her great grandchild, Meagan Lamey. Nancy is also survived by her excellent caregivers, Nurse Freda Clayton and Hospice Nurse Dolores Hoogendoorn. Freda and Dolores provided excellent care to mom during the final years of her life and, as such, we consider them family. The family would like to thank all of the staff at Heritage Point Memory Care for taking such great care of mom during these last few months.The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Harlan Wright, Dr. Anthony Sebastian, and the organ donor family for giving Nancy the gift of life. Nancy loved her family with all her heart and will be sorely missed.Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 21, at Smith & Kernke on N. May.The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Nancy's name to LifeShare of Oklahoma, or any animal affiliated charity of your choice. Also, please consider giving the gift of life by becoming an organ and tissue donor.