Cora Jane Stevens (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Cora Jane Smith was born in West Plains, MO on January 19, 1938, to Granville Wellington Smith and Viva Lee (Burgess) Smith. She had four older brothers, Joe, Lamar, Howard and Donnie, all of whom have preceded her in death. She was saved at the young age of 11 while attending a revival at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in rural Howell County not far from where she lived and grew up. Cora graduated from West Plains High School (she was a proud Zizzer) in 1956. After graduation she and her cousin Myrna moved to Kansas City, MO. While in Kansas City she met a handsome guy named Jack Stevens who was active in the Air Force. Two years later on April 5, 1958 they were married. Their journey as newlyweds brought them to Bolivar, MO where they made their home for the rest of their lives. They had four children, Byron (Sylvia), Rhonda (Mike Pitts), Brenda (Robert Murders) and Jay (Paige). They had eight grandchildren, Morgan, Haden, Joshua, EmaLee, JD, Avery, Jack and Brock and six great grandchildren; LaKota, Leone, Graham, Jack, Hall and Opal Jane. Her life centered around those grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all of their accomplishments. She went to as many events as she could to support them. She was passionate about her love of Jesus, her family and her friends. Her favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." She will be greatly missed, but Heaven has gained a saint. Visitation and funeral services for Cora will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with services beginning at 11:00 AM Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
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