Graveside services for Claudine Rawls Stevens, 96, of Oxford, Mississippi, and formerly of Hollandale, Mississippi, were held at Boone Funeral Home in Leland, MS on Friday, May 17, 2024. Claudine passed away peacefully at Elison Assisted Living in Oxford on May 14, 2024.

Claudine was born in Shivers, Mississippi, on October 12, 1927, to Arthur B. Rawls and Ida Rawls.  She had one brother, Arthur B. Rawls, Jr. (Emma Shivers) of Shivers.

Claudine attended Mississippi Southern College (now the University of Southern Mississippi) where she obtained a degree in education.  She was passionate about providing her students with a loving start to their education as she taught first grade for over 20 years in both the Hollandale School District and at Deer Creek School in Arcola.  She concluded her teaching career as a Special Education Teacher at Leland Middle School.

Claudine and her husband, Elisha Dennis Stevens, lived in Shivers for several years before moving to Hollandale in the 1960s.  They lived on Treadway Circle for over 40 years.  Following Dennis’ death, she moved to Oxford to be closer to her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

Claudine is preceded in death by her husband, her mother, her father, and her brother.  She is survived by her son Michael Dennis Rawls Stevens and her daughter-in-law Victoria Williams Stevens of Oxford.  She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Victoria Claire, Emily Elise, and Heath Michael Stevens.  In addition, Claudine is survived by her sister-in-law Rosemary Stevens of Boyle, Mississippi, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Elison Assisted Living and her caregivers with Gentiva Hospice.  We would like to specifically thank Leigh Ann Morgan, Diann Findley, Loretta Betts, Emily Williams, and Rosie Minor for the care and comfort they provided during her final weeks.  We will be forever grateful.

Claudine was a cancer survivor for over 35 years. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the American Cancer Society or the Hollandale Baptist Church.