Johnny L. Stevens

Johnny L. Stevens, 71 of Pearl River, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born in New Orleans on October 25, 1953, and lived his entire life in Pearl River. Johnny devoted himself to faith, family, and hard work. A faithful member and Deacon of First Baptist Church of Pearl River, he touched many lives with his servant’s heart. For 28 years, he worked as a school bus driver for St. Tammany Parish, safely transporting generations of children before his retirement. He also owned and operated Stevens Timber Services for 7 years, worked alongside his parents and brothers in their family business, Stevens Trucking (5 years), and spent time employed with Mason Chamberlin Army Ammunition Plant (3 years), and Kaiser Aluminum Chemical Corporation (11 years).

Johnny was happiest when outdoors, whether camping, hunting, or fishing. Known for his love of storytelling, he cherished time spent with those he loved and will be remembered for the warmth, laughter, and wisdom he shared.

He shared 52 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Cynthia H. Stevens. Together, they built a strong and loving family. Johnny is survived by his wife and their children: Jean Bowman and her husband, Keith, along with their children Trinity, Ian, and Ethan; Angie Polk and her husband Josh, with their children Blake and Layla; and Kevin Stevens, with his children Haylee and Ryder, and their mother, Shannon Catchot Stevens. Johnny’s family brought him immense pride and joy.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Luther F. and Willie Mae Stevens, his brothers Jimmy and Joe Stevens, and his sister-in-law, Retta Stevens. Through his brother Jimmy, Johnny is survived by his niece Jenny Wheeler and her husband Scott, with children Zachary and Alyssa, as well as their father Alan Hebert. From his brother Joe, he is remembered by his sister-in-law Denise and their children, Teresa Stevens, her wife Bridie, with their son Jax, and Jason Stevens and his wife Ashley, with their daughters Emma, Lucy, and Lila.

His sisters and their families also survived Johnny. His sister Lynda McGovern carries forward his memory alongside her children: Stacy Gustafson, Sharon Audler and her children Olivia and Hurshel; and Bryce McGovern. His sister Laura Duke and her husband James also survived him, with their children and grandchildren bringing light to his legacy: Amy Duke and her husband Elton, with sons Seth and Vinny; James Duke Jr., with sons Gavin and Logan; and Ryan Duke.

He was a proud uncle to Lori Jones and her family, including her daughter, Lanie Jones Stinnett, and her husband, Billy. With their children, Landon, Presli, and Rylee; her son Dylan Jones, with his daughter Bailey; and her twins Carlie and Chloie.

Johnny also shared a lifelong bond with his dear friend, Myra Malley, and her late husband, Darrell. Their family was like his own, including DJ Malley and his wife, Sara, with sons Brett and Bo, and Stephen Malley and his wife, Lesli, with their daughter, Claire. He will also be lovingly remembered by his Doucet cousins, Eddie and his wife Leslie, Phillip and his wife Shelly, Becky and her husband Uriah, James Calecas, Danny Woods, David Woods, and Ferman Woods, as well as his Aunt Minnie Woods and her late husband Curtis.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Pearl River, with Pastor Jakob Harris officiating. Fellowship and meal will follow in Shepherd’s Hall at the church.

Johnny’s life was a testament to love, faith, and family. His legacy lives on in the countless stories he told, the laughter he sparked, and the bonds he nurtured with everyone blessed to know him.