Dequeta Elmira Dowling Thurman Stearns, 74, of Safford and formerly of Duncan, passed away in Safford, on Friday, April 6, 2018, at the Mt. Graham Regional Center, following a brief illness.
Dequeta was born in Ventura, California, on October 17, 1943, to Roy Merritt and Beulah May Copeland Dowling.
Dequeta leaves to mourn: one son, Roger McGraw of California; husband, Berkley Stearns of Safford; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Dequeta was preceded in death by: her daughters, Lisa McGraw and Michelle McGraw.
Graveside services for Dequeta will be conducted on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at 12:00 p.m. (noon), in the Duncan Cemetery by Pastor Brad Boyd of The First Methodist Church in Duncan.
Family will receive friends Friday evening April 13, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be offered at viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.