Isabel was her middle name, though ushered in by Lovey, which was her first name! Lovey was named after her grandmother, Lovey McAfee Nesbit. She was the second born, on September 15, 1927, to the late Frank and Dixie Nesbit Stephens and raised in the Pinckneyville community of Gwinnett, now Peachtree Corners. She died October 15 at age 95.
She was from one of the original families of the area. Her forbearers took 40 acres and a mule and turned it into 155 acres that is now prime property in Peachtree Corners.
Lovey’s formative school years were at the knees of local teachers and her aunties, most notably, the late Clara B. Nesbit, the first African American to have a school named after her in Gwinnett County. Lovey learned reading, writing, and arithmetic along with the Bible. She passed her educational prowess to her nieces and nephews as they would ask, “Aunt Lovey, where you at?” She would reply, “Behind that preposition!”
Her education taught her that she was loved not only by her family but also by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And so it was at an early age that she gave her heart to Him at Central Baptist Church, Norcross. Her family were not only educators and Christians but also, philanthropists. They donated the land and the vision for the beginning of Central Baptist.
Lovey’s education continued at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta where she learned to play the violin and perfect her voice. She attended both Spelman and Clark Colleges in Atlanta and graduated from Tuskegee University with a degree in Interior Design. One of her many projects at TU was hanging wallpaper and her instructor praised her for an excellent job except for one small thing … It was upside down!
Lovey, at the ripe old age of 23, followed her brothers and moved to Harlem, N.Y. in 1951. In the spirit of Christian upbringing, she found a church home, Abyssinian Baptist Church, shepherded by Pastor Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. She completed a new membership training class on June 3, 1951, and promptly joined the choir! She loved her pastor! While there she worked as a dental hygienist and clerk for Judy Bonds clothing company.
Lovey returned to Gwinnett after several decades in New York. She built her home on Medlock Bridge Road across the street from her mother’s birthplace, “The Oaks” as it was called because of the many oak trees in the yard. And she joined her family in worship at Central Baptist, where she was active in the Sunday Church School, the Choir, Bible study, and was the church’s Treasurer.
Lovey was famous for her secret family barbecue recipe. That distinct, mouthwatering sauce! And every Labor Day family gathering at The Oaks, it was on full display over the never-ending racks of ribs and chicken grilled by her Aunt Clara, then later Lovey. She would also brew Mint Sun Tea. It was her opportunity to bring together her love for family and friends over great meals!
Lovey, in answer to the Lord, in 2001, returned to her father’s home church, Salem Missionary Baptist Church, Lilburn, which was shepherded by her pastor, Rev. Dr. Richard B. Haynes! She joined the choir, often singing lead in the Senior and Mass choirs. Lovey loved to travel and continued to do so at Salem visiting the Holy Land and walking the places that Jesus traveled.
She also served at the Atlanta Mission Center and My Sister’s House. She was active in the senior’s ministry volunteering in the church office as well! She did all of this and continued to attend weekly bible study and the Senior Center. Following her Aunt Clara’s footsteps, she worked the voting polls in Gwinnett County. She was active in the United Ebony Society in its early beginnings and was faithful in giving blood to the American Red Cross. Lovey was generous to a fault, opening her home to those in need.
Lovey was an exceptional steward of all that God had given her. She cut her own yard until 90 years young! She repaired her roof and basically every household issue. She faithfully exercised her body. She cared for her clothes with amazing care. She ate well. She was faithful to printing and sending homemade birthday cards!
Lovey became Aunt Lovey! She was known for her pound cake, Waldorf salad, and macaroni and cheese. She was a financial advisor, pinching pennies until they became dollars! She was beyond frugal! But she also splurged whenever she felt like it. She was a teacher, a loan officer, and a prayer warrior … But most of all, a child of God!
Lovey leaves to cherish her memories, of one brother, Franklin (Emma) Woods, Chattanooga, Tenn.; her siblings’ children, Denise Stephens, Daryl Stephens, Perry B. (Rose Mary) McClendon, Sr., Reginald (Lisa) McClendon, Portia McClendon, Bobbie McClendon II; a host of cousins, Stephens and Nesbits, special friends, Joe and Lorraine Irving (Jonee’ and Lauren (Kendally), Sheila Brown, Roberta Jones, and Roslyn Sterling.
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