Imogene (Cissie) Radeker Stevens

Imogene Radeker Stevens (Cissie) died peacefully on June 6, 2025, in Asheville, N.C. at age 84.

Cissie was born Imogene Lee Radeker on October 26, 1940, in Washington, D.C. to the late Walter Scott Radeker, Jr. and Imogene Gardiner Radeker.

A true renaissance woman, Cissie lived life to the fullest. She was a tenacious wife, mother, friend, community leader, business professional, cook, and traveller. Even in her last two years, despite broken bones from a hike, the loss of her son Wyatt, and the effects of heart disease, Cissie carried on with vibrancy and grace. Cissie didn’t dwell on the past and lived her life always moving forward.

After a childhood spent mostly in Asheville, Cissie attended Miss Doherty’s College Preparatory School for Girls in Cincinnati, OH. She later graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1962 with a major in political science. After working in New York, Cissie returned to her beloved Asheville, where she met John S. “Jack” Stevens, to whom she was married for 53 years before his death in 2019.

After getting three sons off to school, Cissie returned to work, first at Planned Parenthood in 1982. Later, she worked for the University of North Carolina at Asheville, initially as Assistant to the Director of University Relations, and then as Director of the College for Seniors. Cissie retired in 2002 but returned to work in 2009 to serve as Interim Director of Center for Creative Retirement. Cissie later served on the UNCA Board of Directors, including as Board Chair. She also served on the Board of Directors of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina for over 20 years.

A dedicated community leader (and occasional political activist), Cissie served on the boards of Manna Food Bank, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, the Asheville Art Museum, Christ School, and Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community, among others. Cissie was also an active member at Trinity Episcopal Church, serving on the vestry.

An avid hiker, Cissie hiked Hadrian’s Wall in England and the footpaths of France with Jack, but their favorite hike was Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which they summited over 40 times. Well into her 80’s, Cissie was a proud member of the “short and flat,” a hiking group with many of her Deerfield and Asheville friends. An accomplished skier, Cissie and Jack traveled everywhere from Switzerland to Canada and Colorado to try new slopes and restaurants.

Cissie was a lover of dogs and owned many. Her approach to raising dogs was much like her approach to raising children, focusing on the big picture and not letting details get in the way. It served her well.

A connector of people and fierce friend, Cissie was an amazing host and cook, bringing friends and family together through good food and conversation. Cissie didn’t take chances keeping her family close, establishing strong family traditions, from beach trips to Thanksgiving dinners, Easter egg hunts, hikes, and more. One snowy night after sledding with her grandchildren, Cissie attempted to finish cooking dessert while hiding her broken wrist. Cissie was not easily swayed from what she believed was important. She will be dearly missed by all of us.

She is survived by her sister Lillian R. Stepp, her sons J. Brent Stevens (Kelly), and Scott R. Stevens (Jenny), her daughter-in-law Kimberly K. Stevens, and her grandchildren Jonathan B. Stevens (Rebecca), Ashlyn S. Bratcher (Caleb), Wyatt P. Stevens, Katherine K. Stevens, Grace E. Stevens, John G. Stevens, Samuel W. Stevens, and Ella Imogene Stevens.

In addition to her parents, Cissie was preceded in death by her husband John S. Stevens, her two brothers Walter S. Radeker III, and Gwynn G. Radeker, and her son, Wyatt S. Stevens.

A funeral service in celebration of Cissie’s life will take place in Asheville, NC at Trinity Episcopal Church at a future date.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family and will provide service details when they are available.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Manna Foodbank in Asheville.