Edna Earl Wilson Stevens

Edna Earle Wilson Stevens, 90, a lifelong resident of Bartow, passed away at home on August 1, 2011of natural causes. She was the only child of Bradley Carlyle and Edna Boyd Wilson and was born on April 9, 1921 in her parents' home at 305 S. Broadway, Bartow. After graduating from Summerlin Institute, Edna Earle earned a degree in Art from the Florida State College for Women, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. She later studied at the Art Students' League in New York City and continued to enjoy painting as an adult. After completing her art studies, she joined the American Red Cross during World War II and was stationed at Daytona Beach. While working there, she met Captain Winslow B. "Steve" Stevens, whom she married on November 6, 1946. Together they had two children, Bettie Carlyle and Win. She enjoyed spending time with her family at Crooked Lake and traveling to many interesting destinations. Edna Earle fell in love with horses as a child and continued to ride into her eighties. In addition to riding for pleasure, she competed in horse shows around the country, owning and riding two Reserve National Champion Arabians. She also owned and operated a traveling tack shop called Stable Bum and volunteered her time to teach many young 4-H riders. Throughout her adulthood, Edna Earle volunteered her time and participated in many community activities. She was a lifelong, active member of the First United Methodist Church. Edna Earle was predeceased by her daughter Bettie Carlyle Stevens Swiger. She is survived by her husband Winslow B. Stevens III, her son Winslow B. Stevens IV and his wife Judy, her grandson Bradley and his wife Danica, and her granddaughter Chelsea. Family will receive friends Thursday, August 4, 2011, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 5, 2011, at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church, 410 S. Broadway Avenue, Bartow. Interment will follow at Bartow Wildwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 455 S. Broadway, Bartow, 33830 or The American Cancer Society, 809 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33801.