Leona Stevens

E. Leona Stevens age 93, passed away September 30, 2012 in Greer, South Carolina, surrounded by her family as her Pastor read a verse from Psalms in the Holy Bible.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland January 8. 1919 to John E. Trader and Emma L. (Christopher) Trader, Leona was the oldest of 4 children.
Her favorite childhood memories were growing up on Belt Street in South Baltimore, watching the Orioles baseball games with her beloved Dad, and family picnics at Federal Hill and attending church at Randell Street Baptist Christian Church in Baltimore.
Leona's parents instilled in her a love of God, family, hard work and patriotism; values that she in turn has taught to her children, grand children and great grand children.
In 1941, she married Benjamin S. Hiss with whom she shared two beautiful children, Emme and Jack.
Leona's work career included Miller Research Corp. in Baltimore and the Flight Detachment in Ft Meade, Maryland. Her outstanding work ethic quickly promoted her to private secretary, where she was "Mom" to many of the officers there. She opened her home to her "boys", preparing them home cooked meals and giving them a sense of family that was much needed during the Vietnam War.
Her talents were many and included gardening, cooking , sewing and creating beautiful crochet doily's and afghans. In her later years she spent many hours making prayer shawls for folks in nursing homes.
Leona was also very involved in politics and upholding the Judeo/Christian values it was based upon. During presidential elections, she volunteered at the poles, addressed envelopes and made phone calls for the Republican Party. She also wrote letters to elected officials on a regular basis and took great pride in our history and our flag.
Leona is survived by her daughter Emme Gannon and her husband Frank J. Gannon of Greer, South Carolina, her son Jack Hiss and his wife Bonnie Hiss of Queenstown, Maryland, Eight grandchildren including Terri Takacs (Stevens) and husband Frank, Steven Hiss, Stacy (Hiss) Perkins and husband Scott, Cheri Gerardi and husband Thad, Larry Cate and wife Dana, James Gannon; Ten Great-Grandchildren including Jaci Takacs, Cheri (Takacs) Rizio and husband Anthony, Franky Takacs, Ashley Takacs, Destinee Perkins, Sidney Perkins, Brian Perkins, Anthony Perkins and Scott Milligan; her dear sister Lillian Mae (Trader) Krahn and many loving nieces and nephews.
She is pre-deceased by her husband Benjamin S. Hiss and her second husband Emory R. Stevens, her beloved brother John (Buzzy)Trader, her sister Florence Trader and her favorite Aunt,Katie Hart.
Leona's love for the Lord and her family extended to her friends and those in need. Her home and heart were always open to others. She truly posecessed the greatest of God's gifts which is Love.

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