James "J.L." Levy Stevens

Hoboken – James “J.L.” Levy Stevens, 86, of Hoboken passed away Sunday, September 25 at his residence after an extended illness. J.L. graduated from Hoboken High School in 1954. He served in the Army for 2 years beginning in July 1954. In December of 1954 he married Margaret Dickerson. They lived in Atlanta for a few months and then in New Mexico until he was discharged from the Army. Later they lived in Brunswick and then finally in Hoboken. He served as Mayor of Hoboken in 1977. He was instrumental in starting a volunteer fire department in Hoboken and he also served as a volunteer EMT in Hoboken. He served as a Deacon at Hoboken Baptist Church and taught Sunday School. He worked on the House and Grounds committee for several years. Mr. Stevens was a member of the Clifford Justice Sunday School class. He retired in 1997 after 38 years with CSX. He was a fisherman at heart and loved to be out in his boat all day where he would say he did a lot of praying. He was known as a good husband, father, and granddaddy. He also loved the Lord. He helped build handicapped ramps for those that needed them. He always said that his service was to help other people in need.

Mr. Stevens was preceded in death by his parents Nelson Stevens, Sr. and Clara Strickland Stevens, five brothers Nelson Stevens, Jr., Donald Stevens, Larry Stevens, Wayne Stevens, and Winston Stevens, two sisters Norma Jean Stevens Ivey and Annelle Stevens Waters.

Survivors include his wife Margaret Dickerson Stevens, one son Richard Stevens wife Cheryl of Hoboken; two daughters Linda Stevens Chesser and Donna Stevens Anderson of Hoboken; three sisters Gail Stevens Rhodes, Jacquelyn Stevens Thomas, and Louise Stevens Spivey; eight grandchildren Steven Chesser wife Marcia, Ryan Chesser wife Carla, Heath Briscoe wife Jessica, Josh Briscoe wife Stefanie, Katie Hayes husband Tyler, Kelley Lawrence wife Sarah, Kami Roberts husband Chris, and Jill Collins husband Taylor; eighteen great grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and other relatives and a host of friends.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 27 at 3:00 pm at Hoboken Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Chris Roberts and Rev. Ben Glosson. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Waycross. A visitation will be held at the church Tuesday from 2:00-3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Hospice Satilla at 808 Beacon Street Waycross, Ga. 31501 and to the charity of your choice.

Pallbearers are Steven Chesser, Ryan Chesser, Heath Briscoe, Kelley Lawrence, Taylor Collins, Cole Chesser, Joshua Roberts, Josh Briscoe, Seth Chesser, Garrison Chesser and Kellen Roberts. Honorary pallbearers are the rest of the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Sympathy may be expressed online at www.fryefh.com.

Frye Funeral Home in Nahunta is in charge of the arrangements.