There is so much I can tell you about this amazing woman we called Mom, Duda, Sista, Mother Stevens and as for me, well... Mommy.  

M. Thelma Stevens-Perkins, an amazing woman, pillar of strength and truth was born on March 31 in Macon, GA.

She was the 2nd oldest of 17 children. In 1955, she wed Wallace Stevens and had seven children (Midland, PA) whom she would call her "Seven Heavens". 

Later divorced, she moved to Detroit in 1978. It wasn't until after all of children were grown and in college;  there she would meet and wed her 2nd husband of 29 yrs (James Perkins).

In 1982, she joined "The More Excellent Way Cathedral". Such an inspiration, she became one of the Church Mothers and would work along with Co-Pastor, Janice Hogans; teaching and working with the young women in the Church.  Mother Stevens (as she was known) truly loved the Lord.  
 
She was an intercessor prayer warrior with a heart of gold.  Everyone she came in contact with loved her. Behind that beautiful smile, she had an abundance of love that only GOD could re-supply.  Always making an impossible situation, possible; and always giving to others with love and joy in her heart.

My mother was the woman that I adored, looked up to, and held very close to my heart. She was every bit courageous in all that she did and she always made you feel wonderful about yourself. She was voicetress and opinionated; she was fearless and humble; she was strong but gentle; she was caring and always giving. She was beautiful inside and out and a prayer warrior indeed. And she was always there when you were in need. 

Her heart was as big as the staple center and her laughter just as grand. Her smile shined from Detroit to Miami (where I lived) and just to talk to her on the phone was a pure delight. I can still hear her voice, as if it were yesterday, saying "Hi Bon, it's just me your Mom... I was just thinking about you and hope you're okay. I just wanted to hear your voice. Call me when you get home from work okay?  Love you sweetie... okay, bye bye" -

I miss my mother dearly but I know that I will see her again. She is in a place of beauty. It's described in the Bible as "a building of God" - "a city" - a better country" - "an inheritance"  - "a glory."     

The Bible also indicates that "we will know each other in heaven"... it will be a time of grand reunion with those who have gone on before.  So I know she is still smiling... I know that she is much happier and that she has made it. Wow, being reunited with her parents and her brothers; all of her friends and loved ones. How can I be mad or upset knowing this? Trust me when I say that I am in a better place now because I know that I, too, will see all of them again.  

Believe it or not, my heart is not sad anymore... yes, yes, yes, I miss my mommy so very much but my heart smiles knowing where she is... she is in the best hands ever and for that reason alone - my heart is content.

There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you mommy... but I am okay and so are the rest of your "seven heavens"... we just miss you so much - some days more than others but we are just fine. 

We thank God for blessing us with an extraordinary woman that we called our Mom... you were the best my dear!

In closing my mother wrote us a story page (a poem if you will) about each one of us and gave it to all of us on her birthday (little did any of know that this would be her last birthday with us)... this book, that we cherish so much, sits beside each one of us today... here is the last page of the book:
Poem:
I have Seven Wonderful Blessings, all given from above. Seven beautiful gifts, that I cherish and love.  Thank you Jesus, for letting all things be.  And I thank you Lord and Savior, for the Seven Heavens you gave to me.  Amen. 
     
With love and misses in our hearts - we taking nothing for granted...  

Your daughter and your "Seven Heavens" sending up kisses ♥    

always, God First, Bo~