Brianna R. Stevens

Brianna Rosalie Stevens, age 26, passed away Monday, March 29, 2021 in New Virginia, Iowa.

Brianna, also known to many as Bri and to a select special few as Auntie Bri, was born on March 15, 1995 in Des Moines, Iowa. She attended Ankeny Schools and graduated from Ankeny Christian Academy in 2013. She went on to graduate from Drake University with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology in 2017 and Iowa State University with a master’s degree in Bio Medical Sciences in August of 2020.

Brianna loved her family above all else and received her greatest joy from being with her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed being with her cats and dogs, fishing, reading, playing the piano, watching basketball and football, being outside, riding horses, traveling, writing, playing soccer and playing games with her family. She adored her younger sister, Madi, who was her best friend and confidant who she could openly share her life and never feel judged. Her mom, Lori, and dad, Craig, were always her biggest cheerleaders and passionately loved her with their whole hearts.

Brianna enjoyed her time working at Methodist West Hospital, Mercy Hospital’s Emergency Department and most recently with the Iowa Department of Public Health. She was incredibly smart and an amazingly gifted person who played the piano since age four. She was quiet and thoughtful, always taking everything in around her. Her smile was radiant. She loved being goofy and singing when she thought no one was listening. Brianna had such a caring and kind heart and loved helping others. Her final wish was to give the gift of life to others through cornea, bone, heart valves and tissue donation.

Bri wanted to make an impact during her life. Her family wants to make sure her death makes an impact, as well. Depression and anxiety are commonly masked by many. Don’t stop calling, reaching out, inviting those struggling…it does matter.

She found faith and peace in God and we know we will see her again. Her special life verse Mathew 11:28 has even deeper meaning as we know she is finally at peace resting in the arms of our Lord.

Brianna is survived by her parents, Lori and Scott Ferris and Craig and Stacy Stevens; siblings, Madelynn Stevens, Katelynn (Josh) Kanis, Rita (Tom) Thompson, Lisa Stevens (TJ Trevillyan), Jeff Gilbertson, Maddie (Jake) Panek and Morgan (Johnny) Wentland; her nieces and nephews, Margo and Calvin Kanis, Elsa Steffes, James Cawthorn, Olivia Panek and Prudence and Freya Thompson; her grandparents, Bruce and Delores Early, Butch Ferris, Ralph and Katie Lane; and many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved her very much. She was preceded in death by her Uncle Duane Foumal and her paternal grandparents.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 5, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at First Family Church at 317 SE Magazine Rd in Ankeny on Tuesday, April 6, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Private graveside services will take place at a family cemetery at a later date.

Memorials can be directed to NAMI of Greater Des Moines to help support mental health and suicide prevention and to the Iowa Donor Network.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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