Theresa Mae Stevenson

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Theresa May Lyles Stevenson was born April 18, 1929, to John and Lennie Lyles. She was raised in West Indianapolis, a neighborhood where everyone knew your name and looked out for each other. She accepted Christ at an early age and was active in her church. She learned the piano at age 8 and would often travel by city bus to play at churches. She told the story of riding the bus to engagements, and her dad standing over her to protect his little girl.

Theresa attended Crispus Attucks High School and was the class secretary. After high school, she attended Fisk University where she pledged Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She completed her college education at Indiana Central.

 Theresa was united in holy matrimony to Clint Tucker Sr., and this union was blessed with two children, Clinton and Patricia Tucker Martin. In 1962, she married Rev. John Stevenson and was blessed to welcome 5 bonus children—Patricia, Robert, Loretta, Jay and Linda. As if seven children weren’t enough, this union was blessed with a baby girl, Leah.

 Theresa was busy with her family and church, yet she found time to be a trailblazing career woman. She began her career at Indiana Bell as one of the first African American employees. She rose through the ranks and ended her 42-year career as the coin phone division manager. She was blessed to retire at age 53!

 Theresa’s days were filled with church activities, family functions, and career. She moved gracefully between each of the demanding roles and always made time to serve. Among her greatest loves was her membership and service to Pilgrim Baptist Church. As a 50-year member, she did it all! She loved playing the piano and leading the Missionaries. Her funniest stories centered around working in the kitchen and frying chicken with Chile French, Sister Boyd, Sister Wakefield and others. She was proud of being an instrumental part of the Lazarus ministry. She found joy in helping others strengthen their walk with Christ.

 Theresa loved travel and took frequent trips with her club—The Do Nothings. When asked how the name originated, she would tell the story, “We knew we wanted to get together, fellowship, and travel. Someone said, ‘What else do you want to do,’ and the answer was, ‘nothing’”.

 Theresa loved to spend time with family and celebrated life until the end. Theresa was the last surviving immediate family member. She is preceded in death by: her parents, John and Lennie Lyles; her two brothers, Robert and Frank Lyles; and two children, Robert Stevenson and Patty Tucker Martin. She leaves to cherish her memory: four daughters, Patricia Lambert (Tony), Loretta Rush, Linda Metzger (Dino), and Leah Montez (Antonio); two sons, Clinton Tucker, and Ronald “Jay” Stevenson; and her nieces, Barbara Lyles (her first baby) and Donna Lyles. She also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren.

As Theresa navigated the last years, her scripture was Psalm 17: 17 &18 “O God, You have taught me from my youth; And to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.” He did not forsake her. She declared her strength to many, finished her race and went to sleep.

Humbly Submitted,

The Family