Passing of Joy Stevenson

Mrs. Joy Stevenson
Photo: Bahá’í World News Services

The National Assembly hastens to share the following message dated 25 April, 2016 from the Universal House of Justice, announcing the passing of dearly loved and distinguished maidservant of the Cause, Joy Stevenson:

We were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Joy Stevenson, distinguished maidservant of Bahá’u’lláh, whose dedicated endeavours for the Cause of God spanning several decades were crowned by her serving for ten years as a Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre. Before taking on responsibilities connected with the worldwide promulgation and protection of the Faith, she made a distinctive contribution to the advancement of Bahá’í communities in Australasia as a Counsellor and an Auxiliary Board member and as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia. To her gift of exceptional spiritual perception she added a remarkable ability to nurture the capacity of others, most especially of the youth. She will also long be remembered for her kindly and loving nature, as well as for her earnest enthusiasm in teaching.

To her children and other members of her family we extend our heartfelt condolences. At the Sacred Threshold we will supplicate Bahá’u’lláh for the progress of her radiant soul throughout the worlds of God. We ask, too, that commemorative gatherings be convened in her honour in all Houses of Worship and in Bahá’í communities everywhere.