Judith A. Stevens

Judith (Judy) Anne Stevens of Bowie, MD, departed this world on April 18, 2019, at her home surrounded by loved ones, after a well fought battle against colon cancer; she was 79 years old.

Judy is survived by her 5 children, Francis Stevens Jr. (Kathy) of Bowie, MD, Allen Stevens (Christine) of Centreville, MD, Thomas of Shady Side, MD, Lisa Vinella (Steve) of Reno, NV, & Stacey Bryant (Jasper) of Bowie, MD.  Judy is also survived by her 13 grandchildren & 2 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Stevens Sr., parents, William & Mildred Hussmann, and her two brothers William and John Hussmann.

Judy was born on May 22, 1939 in Centralia, IL to William & Mildred Hussmann. The family then moved to Maryland in 1946 where she was raised, attending Prince George’s County Public Schools and graduating from Northwestern High School in 1956. Judy went on to marry Francis in 1960 and remained married through his death in 1985.  Francis and Judy raised 5 children together, that blossomed into the large family that it is today, something that she took an immense amount of pride in.

Judy was employed as a bartender in Washington, D.C. her entire career.  Judy, affectionately known as Mom, or Mama Judy, to her regular customers, was a pillar in the Gay community in D.C.  Judy took pride in providing an accepting, welcoming space for her customers; often times acting as a confidant, a counselor, and a shoulder to lean on when times were tough.  Judy was proud of the work she did, and it showed, as she worked until she was 77 years old. Judy’s customers were more than that, they were some of her closest friends, even until her final days.

Judy will best be remembered for her loving, caring, courageous, and genuine personality.  Even as a child in elementary school, her teachers remarked about her charming nature and caring spirit, something she carried with her until she left this world. Judy would never turn her back on someone who was in need of a helping hand, or a listening ear, a legacy of caring and compassion that will live on through her children, and grandchildren.

Judy had a great amount of love for her family, always making it a point to be one of the first callers on her children’s and grandchildren’s birthdays, never missing a beat, not even through her battle with cancer.  She traveled far and wide to see sporting events, attend graduations, and spend time with the people she loved most. Regardless of where the journey took her, whether it was her annual trip to Myrtle Beach with her five kids piled in a station wagon, trips to Six Flags & the National Aquarium with her grandkids, a cruise or an exploration across the pond, Judy was her happiest with her family by her side.

Judy would want us to celebrate her life by remembering a few simple practices; always accept others for who they are, have empathy for those not as fortunate as you, and always have a spot at the table for one more person. Though she has departed this world, her legacy has not, and the love she spread while on this earth will continue on.

A Celebration of Judy’s Life will be held on June 6, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., at the Corsica River Yacht Club, located at 589 Conquest Road, Centreville, MD, 21617. The family invites Judy’s friends and loved ones to join us for a day on the water to celebrate this phenomenal individual and her legacy. A service will be held, followed by the celebration, buffet style food, as well as refreshments on the banks of the Corsica River. It will be a day filled with laughs, tributes and some of our favorite memories of Judy.

The family would love to see as many people as possible to celebrate Judy’s life; to properly plan food & beverage for the celebration we ask that you accept the invite at the link below with your number of guests. We’re looking forward to celebrating Judy with you!

Please note, this is not an invite only event, please feel free to share the evite with anyone you see fit! We want all who loved Judy as much as we did to feel welcome to attend this celebration!   Evite Link: http://evite.me/tK2tE9KdFS