Dorothy Grimball Stevens

January 28, 1939 – September 12, 2025

"A Life Spent Teaching;

A Legacy of Serving"

Dorothy Grimball Stevens was born in

Charleston, SC, to Charles Grimball Sr. and

Dorothy Johnson Grimball, and was lovingly

raised by her grandparents, Rev. Elias and

Julia Smoak Johnson. Though she and her

siblings faced early loss, Dorothy's life became a masterclass in resilience, faith, and

love.

A proud graduate of Burke High School (1957), Dorothy went on to earn her degree in

Education from Benedict College and a master's from Antioch University. She also

obtained certification in Special Education. For more than 30 years, she was a

respected and beloved master teacher in the School District of Philadelphia, known for

her high standards, patient instruction, and ability to bring out excellence in every

student.

Dorothy's classroom extended far beyond school walls. She taught life lessons at home,

church, and in her community, with handwritten "assignments," and carefully chosen

Scripture. Her students included not only her children—Michael (Rebecca), Shana

(Brian), Faith (Russell), and David (Robin), but also her grandchildren, church

members, and countless others shaped by her wisdom.

Married to Rev. Dr. David Stevens for 63 years, their partnership was a model of faith

and service. Together, they founded Christ Center Church of God and the international

ministry Sound Marriages.

Dorothy's life was a curriculum of faith, love, and purpose. Her favorite lesson: "Make

sure you call on Jesus." She leaves behind a lasting legacy of learning through love,

cherished by her husband, children, 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grands, and a church

community forever changed by her teaching.

Calling hours will be Friday, September 26 from at Batchelor Brothers & Jones Funeral Services, 7112 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA and Saturday, September 27 from at New Covenant Church, 7500 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA.

The Funeral Service to Celebrate her life will be held 10:00 am on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at New Covenant Church, 7500 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA with officiating. Burial will be in Northwood Cemetery, Philadelphia on at .