Sara "Denise" Stevens

It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved aunt, Sara Denise Stevens, age 78, who passed away peacefully September 16, 2026 at approximately 6:00 PM in Laurel, Mississippi, surrounded by her loving family. Sara Denise was known as “Dee Dee” to those of us closest to her and as “Coach Stevens” to the many former students and athletes whose lives she touched. Born and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Denise devoted more than 40 years of her life to teaching and coaching. She taught and coached PE and health in Louisiana and Texas. She loved working with her students and young athletes and took great pride in encouraging them, teaching them, and being a part of their lives. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom and the playing field, and we know that many of her former students and athletes will remember her for years to come. Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Amy Belle Stevens and Wayne Stevens; her infant brother, Preston David Stevens; and her brother, Carl Wayne Stevens. But to us, she was so much more than just our aunt. She was warm, loving, caring, and a very special part of our family. She was someone we could laugh with, talk to, and simply enjoy being around. We were incredibly blessed to have her in our lives. Those who knew Denise also knew how much she loved her sports. She especially loved watching her beloved LSU Tigers, and you could always count on her keeping up with her favorite teams. She was surrounded in her final moments by family who loved her dearly, including Carl Wayne “Rusty” Stevens II and his wife, Cherilon; Julee Stevens Pousson; Micah Stevens; and Matthew Stevens. Denise leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless former students and athletes whose lives she touched, and a family who will miss her more than words can express. Rest peacefully, Dee Dee. You were so much more than an aunt to us, and we will carry your love and your memory with us always. Graveside Services will be held at Bolivar Cemetery, Bolivar, LA at 11:00AM on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.