Karla Gayle Williams Stevenson daughter of Joseph and Mildred Williams was born June 21, 1960, in Chicago, IL.  With the help of her father's involvement with the UN she was able to travel to Poland, Russia, Saba, Aruba, and the islands of Turks and Caicos.

After  graduating from Lindblom College Preparatory High school in 1978, she attended Milton College in Wisconsin, Bradley University  and Virginia Commonwealth University. Karla was awarded a  bachelor's degree in mass communications in 1988 from VCU.

Not long after graduating she was able to gain an internship with Q94 radio station. This granted her the opportunity to attend performances of upcoming artists. Despite working in her field, Karla moved on to another path. Her father always reminded her to "find her gift" and she intended a job that could keep up with her unique tempo of life. Her previous employers ranged from Ukrops being a bridal consultant to Signet Bank (now known as Capital One). However, there were a few positions that forever kept a place in her heart. One being a tour guide for the Edgar Allan Poe Museum where she could speak passionately of literary work and have connections to other educational institutes in the area. The second being a homebound instructor specifically for children with learning disabilities in which she would always find a way to communicate with her students even if they couldn't find the words to voice their thoughts. This also branched into her working for the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls which at first she found challenging but always took extra steps to ensure these young minds who came from disgruntled backgrounds felt they could also have a chance of success. Karla's longest form of employment came from substituting part time with Henrico Public Schools, and the city of Richmond. She enjoyed the balance of being able to teach, and keep a watchful eye on her nieces, nephews, and cousins while they were attending. Her go to phrase when it came to educating was to learn at your own pace, and your grades do not reflect who you are as a person. A "D" stands for done.

She was united in holy matrimony to Anthony Stevenson in 1993. This union was blessed with a son Karl Stevenson. This union ended mutually but her involvement in Karl's life was unwavering.

During her free time Karla enjoyed reading murder mysteries, listening to music, traveling, writing poems, and talking to all who would listen. She would normally be found reading her Bible with a cup of coffee nearby. She was an aspiring author with dreams of publishing a book one day.

Karla passed away sadly on April 5, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Mildred Williams. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son Karl Stevenson and brother Kim Williams; one niece Joaquimia Williams Brown and nephew Byron Williams; great nephew Russell Brown Jr.; aunts Mrs. Vera (John) Williams and Mrs. Joyce Paige; special cousin William Thomas (Martha) and a host of  relatives from her previous union, cousins, and friends.