Marla May Stevens

Asheville Marla May Smith Stevens, 81, of The Laurels of Hendersonville died Friday, July 1, 2005 after a long illness. A native of Joplin, Missouri, she lived in Asheville since 1946 prior to moving to Hendersonville in April 2005. She was a childrens clothes buyer for Bon Marche and Belks and also manager for Pride & Joy childrens store She was a member of Kennelworth Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir, was an avid gardener and bridge player, enjoyed sewing, quilting, playing the piano, active in Girl Scouts, Club Scouts and Brownie Troop leader. Mrs. Stevens was a daughter of the late Moses Irvin Red Smith and Mary Naomi Waughtal Smith and wife of the late Charles Eugene Stevens. She was also preceded in death by her son, Charles Eugene Stevens, Jr.; adopted daughter, Cynthia Dyer and sister, Rosemary Smith McReynolds. Surviving are her daughter, Leigh Bennett Stevens Cioffari of Lake Lure; daughter-in-law, Louise Stevens of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Tracy, Bryan, Greg and Brian; six great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. John T. Tiller officiating. Burial will be in Green Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.