Merle Laverne Rutland Stevenson

Merle LaVerne Rutland Stevenson of 857 Stevenson Road; Cope died peacefully on Wednesday morning, August 5, 2015 at Jolley Acres Healthcare Facility in Orangeburg.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, August 8, 2015 at Canaan Baptist Church (Canaan Community) Cope with burial in the Church Cemetery with Rev. Alan Woodward officiating directed by Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. in Orangeburg.

She was born July 19, 1921 in Pine Hill, a daughter of Andrew Lauren and Julia Mabel Houck Rutland. Mrs. Stevenson was a graduate of Tri-County School of Nursing in Orangeburg and worked many years as a Registered Nurse at Orangeburg Regional Hospital. She was an Army Veteran of World War II, having been commissioned Second Lieutenant serving in the Nursing Corps in Italy and was the widow of Daniel Stevenson, Sr. Mrs. Stevenson had been a resident of Jolley Acres for the last four years. Her family extends to each member of the staff their sincere appreciation for the excellent professional care she received, and many kindnesses and considerations that she and they received during their time.

Surviving are her daughter, Lynne Stevenson Jones, her son, Daniel Stevenson both of Cope, SC; sisters-in-law; Mrs. R. Dwight Rutland, Sr. (Blanche Felder) of Orangeburg, and Mrs. Sidney O. Fersner (Alma Stevenson) of Cope; and nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, six sisters and four brothers.

Friends may call at 1006 Stevenson Road, Cope and the family will receive friends in Canaan Baptist Church after the service.

Memorials may be made to Canaan Baptist Church, 4977 Cannon Bridge Road, Cope, SC 29038 or to Double Branch Baptist Church, 3567 Neeses Highway, Orangeburg, SC 29115 or to a charity of one's choice.