Audrey Doyal Stever

https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/audrey-doyal-stever

Audrey Doyal Stever of Canton, GA, age 61, died January 30, 2023 with dignity and grace, surrounded by her loving family. A service to celebrate her life will be held at Poole Funeral Home (1970 Eagle Dr, Woodstock, GA 30189) at 4 PM on Saturday, February 11, 2023. The family will receive guests prior to the service beginning at 2 PM.

            Audrey was born in Albany, GA to Louis Jerome (Jerry) Doyal and Lari Bachman on July 31, 1961. She married Mark Stever in 1984 and quickly settled in Edenton, NC to start her family and establish her first business, the Stever School of Dance. A talented and graceful dancer herself, Audrey’s 30-year career teaching dance followed her as the family relocated to Woodstock, GA in 1990. Under Audrey’s caring and compassionate instruction over the decades, countless young dancers learned the value of beauty through movement, the importance of physical discipline and hard work, and the joy of sharing performance art with their community. Her dance students will remember how deeply Mrs. Audrey cared for them as human beings both inside and outside the studio, always providing a safe space for them to share their struggles and advocating for their emotional and spiritual wellbeing. She taught them so much more than how to dance.

            Audrey’s career transitioned naturally from dance to Pilates, and she founded Absolute Pilates in Canton, GA in 2005. There, for 16 years, she helped thousands of clients achieve their fitness goals while building a close-knit community of friends. Audrey’s stellar entrepreneurial work ethic and servant leadership eventually expanded the business to a second location, multiplying her positive impact on the community. Her clients will remember her as a skilled teacher, honest businesswoman, and encouraging friend.

            Audrey’s Christian faith formed the cornerstone of her identity. In everything she did, she radiated the love of Jesus and embodied His redeeming grace. She raised her sons to know the Lord by walking the walk: She studied Scripture and applied its wisdom to her life; she demonstrated mercy and compassion for the vulnerable; she prayed every day for God’s blessing, protection, and guidance. She loved to sing worship songs more than anything, but her entire life was an act of worship. If you knew Audrey, you knew the love of Jesus.

            Inspiring teacher, loyal friend, loving sister, precious daughter, devoted mother, and beautiful wife, you blessed our lives beyond measure. We love you, “a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!”

            Audrey is survived by her husband of 38 years, Mark Stever; her three sons: Kyle, granddaughter Sloane, Shane (Hicham), Bart (Alicia), grandson Timothy; her father, Jerry Doyal; her sisters Cheryl Rice (Chris) and Paige Klein; her brothers Lou Doyal, Mark Doyal (Juliet), Dustin Doyal, and Blair Doyal. She is predeceased by her mother, Lari Bachman Webster; grandparents Clark and Constance Bachman; and grandparents Glen and Doris Doyal.

            Flowers may be sent to the funeral home (www.poolefuneralhome.net/obituaries/audrey-stever), or donations made in Audrey’s honor to Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org/donate) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate).