Anne Lace Stevens

Our community's beloved teacher, friend, mother, and mentor Anne Lace Stevens (75) of Natchitoches, LA passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Saturday, October 21, 2023.  Anne was born in Rockford, IL to Roger and Bette Lace and grew up in Oregon, IL. 

She is survived by her two sons whom she adored: David Forrest Stevens V (fiancé Moraya Dodson) High Uinta Mountains, UT; Benjamin Whitney Stevens with his son, Anne's grandson, Andrew Jay Stevens Natchitoches, LA.; Anne's sister Jenny Lace (David Tavin) Big Canoe, GA; and niece Abby Shapiro & family Atlanta, GA.  Anne is now reunited with her best friend and husband of 50 years, David Forrest Stevens IV, who passed in April 2022, also peacefully in his sleep. 

Anne proudly followed her husband around the country for 45 years first while he worked for International Paper and then DuPont. Their “Viking Feet” moved them from the Midwest, where “what you see is what you get”, to the South, where mothers say, “Give me some sugar,” for kisses and hugs, and everyone is “fix’n to go somewhere, to the Northeast, where everything is “wicked,” which is used in front of just about any word. 

Anne graduated from the University of Illinois studying literature and education and she earned a Master’s Degree in education administration and supervision from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA.  Ms. Stevens was never bored teaching.  She taught from 2nd grade to college, as well as English as a Second Language for 10 years. She taught 33 years: 20 of those years in Louisiana with a 10-year gap teaching in Vermont. She ended her teaching career at NSU Lab School teaching 4th & 5th grade Science. Ms. Stevens loved all the hands-on investigations! 

Anne was very involved in her community and served on the Natchitoches Northwestern Symphony Society board and as president. She was also on the board for the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, a member of P.E.O, First United Methodist Church, and a member of the Pilgrimage Garden Club in Natchez, Mississippi. 

Anne will be dearly missed and remembered by all for her incredible cooking, amazing outfits, love of art, and compassionate teaching. Her days were spent with family, walking in the woods, boating on the lake, and cooking new recipes almost daily.  Anne loved history and researching family ancestry which she shared through travel, stories, and heirlooms.  Anne's legacy will live on with family and dear friends.

If you would like to make a donation in Anne’s name the family suggests:  Lymphoma Research Foundation, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.