Bossier City, LA: A Heartfelt Celebration of Life for Lynn Amber Nelson Stevens
This Saturday, November 30, friends and family will gather at the First Baptist Church in Shreveport at 10:00 am to honor the incredible life of Lynn Amber Nelson Stevens. This celebration of life is set to be officiated by Minister Al Dyer and Pastor Lee A. Jeter, Sr., who will undoubtedly highlight the many profound ways Lynn touched the lives of those around her.
A Legacy of Love
Lynn’s journey was filled with love, laughter, and an unyielding commitment to her community. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Aaron Stevens, who was by her side for 33 beautiful years, along with two adoring children, Kaitlyn and Colin Stevens. Additionally, Lynn is survived by her beloved mother, Marge Nelson, her supportive sisters Sue, Kelli, and Lori, and her ever-faithful service dog, Leisel. Not to forget, family pets Chewy, and rescue cat Panda who were no doubt spoiled under Lynn’s loving care.
A True Community Advocate
Known as a beacon of light, Lynn was an extraordinarily loving individual who dedicated her life to helping others. When she made the Shreveport/Bossier area her home in 2007, she didn’t just settle in; she dove headfirst into community service, volunteering and advocating for various causes. If someone needed help, Lynn was the first to say “yes.”
Her impressive list of involvements paints a picture of an individual whose contributions were as vast as they were impactful. Lynn became a crucial part of the Norwela Boy Scout Troop 64, served on the advisory board for the SUSLA Roy Griggs School of Business, and was a member of various committees, including the City of Shreveport Mayor’s ADA advisory council and the Bossier Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Leadership Committee.
Turning Trials into Triumphs
Lynn was not just about local committees; she was a strong advocate for systemic change. She passionately spoke at the Caddo Parish Commission and Shreveport and Bossier Councils on the ALICE Report, addressing racial injustices and challenges faced by working-class families. With her unwavering spirit, she took on numerous projects, including leading fundraising initiatives for shelters after the YWCA domestic violence shelter closed in 2010 and successfully reinstating the 2-1-1 services in Northwest Louisiana while serving as Chief Operating Officer at United Way of Northwest Louisiana.
A Champion for the Underrepresented
Through her extensive career, Lynn raised over $55 million in funding for nonprofit operations. Her accolades were numerous, including the Minority Business Opportunity Executive Nonprofit award in 2022 and recognition as a finalist in the KTAL Remarkable Woman award the same year. She was dedicated not only to community service but also to empowering women and individuals with disabilities. Lynn’s advocacy for disability rights was especially powerful as she faced her own challenges with FSH Muscular Dystrophy.
Remembering a Vibrant Spirit
Despite the struggles she faced daily, Lynn lived life to the fullest. She loved hockey and made it a point to catch games wherever she went, traveling to events like the NHL All-Star game and the Winter Classic. Lynn’s zest for life extended beyond her professional achievements to her family and friends, as her unwavering spirit and infectious smile left a mark on countless lives.
In Lieu of Flowers
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Lynn’s honor to the Bossier City Rotary Club or the LSUS’s Institute for Nonprofit Administration and Research’s capacity-building cohort, which Lynn was so passionate about. Donations will serve to support emerging fundraisers and nonprofit leaders, fulfilling Lynn’s dream of nurturing future changemakers in our communities.
As Bossier City and the surrounding areas come together to celebrate Lynn’s remarkable life, we are reminded of the profound impact one person can have on many. Let us carry forward her legacy of compassion, advocacy, and unwavering love.