Muriel Stevens (19 Jan 1938 - 1 Jan 2024)

In loving memory of Muriel Stevens a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie and friend, whose compassion knew no limits. She sadly passed on 1st January, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She lived for eighty five long years and in that time bought joy, patience and kindness into every room she entered; she will be missed dearly.

Muriel, was married to her husband, Colin Stevens, for fifty-six glorious years, after courting which lasted a further two. She would proudly recall how the pair met, a wedding she attended as a bridesmaid, which bound the two in love that would last for decades to come.

Her life before marriage took place, she lived along Brooklands Avenue in Eastwood, where she found lifelong friends and closeness with her neighbours and her large family. Her family consisted of her mother, father, five sisters, two brothers.

After marrying the love of her life in 1967, the pair moved to Necton, Norfolk, for a period which would last eighteen years. In 1969, the pair would become three, when Muriel gave birth to her first and only child, Julie Ann, who remained close to her until Muriel's passing. In 2001, Muriel supported Julie Ann, as she gave birth to her grandson, Jamie, who likewise to his family, remained close and inspired by his grandmother.

Once the family had returned from Norfolk to Southend, Muriel worked for a number of years at ASDA, in Shoeburyness. She was a selfless woman and was always ready to make sacrifices. Outside of her workspace, Muriel enjoyed spending time with her family, going for long walks, loved the countryside, reading, poetry, sewing, music, dancing, singing, spending days out and in, especially if it involved eating, she also belonged to Shoebury Con Club .

Spiritually, Muriel was an Anglican Christian and remained effortlessly virtuous throughout her life. Her greatest gift was the ability to give. A shy person at times, Muriel grew in her later years to be involved with charity projects through her daughter, who volunteered at Milton Community Partnership. She cared for movements of community fairness through acts of equality and diversity. She was equally passionate about environmental values .

We, her family, are grateful for the time that we had with Muriel. We have been blessed with the privilege of living with such a warm-hearted soul. Her lessons and personality will live on through us, in the actions and commitments we make to love fairly, as we attempt to make the world a better place.

Arrangements for her 'Celebration of Life' therefore will be held in the church she loved and attended, St Mark's, Princes Street, Southend at 3pm on the 30th January.
The family respectfully ask, no flowers are sent but donations are made, as Muriel wanted to support future community and church events, she liked the fact she could make a difference to others in her life.
Along with Muriel's request for a bright ceremony (which includes clothing), as her remembrance day. To this end (other than her immediate family at the committal) in addition there will be no wake or spreading of ashes. Muriel said she would like people to 'remember her and to live on in our hearts'.

Donations to, St Mark's Church and St Albans PCC , Sort code 55-50-28, Account number, 06810012
Please mark Muriel's name as memorial donation, so that the money can be collated and used in her
memory.
Thank you.

Written by her ever loving Grandson ,Jamie C-Stevens.