Deana D Stevens Obituary, Death; – Deana D. Stevens’ family described her as a careful and attentive driver who consistently prioritized her focus on the road.
Her first cousin, Celeste Akweta Hinds, recalls a moment when she attempted to share photos of her sister’s repast with Stevens. “Cuz, I know how you take pictures and I truly appreciate it, but I need to stay focused,” Hinds remembers Stevens responding.
The family was taken aback by the tragic news of her passing in a single-vehicle accident on a city street near Sunnycrest Park in Syracuse. Stevens, aged 60, lost her life when her vehicle collided with a tree on Shotwell Park in Syracuse on November 2, as confirmed by her family. The vehicle subsequently caught fire, resulting in her death.
Stevens’s family took the opportunity to speak with Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard about her life. She had a diverse career, working as a bartender, serving as a substitute teacher, and later volunteering as a foster grandparent within the Syracuse school district. According to her niece, Tralishia Newton, Stevens was the youngest of ten siblings, comprising seven girls and three boys.
Newton humorously noted that being the youngest made Stevens somewhat spoiled and a bit bratty. Every month, she would visit her older brother, Randolph Stevens, who would give her money to ensure she had a little extra. Additionally, their mother, Lessie Stevens, frequently provided her with food, clothing, and transportation to visit her sons.
Deana Stevens resided in a two-family home on Cheney Street in Syracuse alongside her eldest sister, Joann Stevens, who assisted in caring for Deana’s two young sons. The sisters shared this home for two decades, as noted by Newton. “They would do anything they could for her, all of them,” Newton remarked.
Despite being the youngest, Deana also played a significant role in caring for her family, as her brother Randolph Stevens pointed out. She would pick him up every other day to help with errands and would come over every Thanksgiving to assist Newton in preparing the family meal. Additionally, she served as the peacemaker, ensuring that the family remained united.
