The Reverend James Howard Stephens

Lewis Frank and Lucy Bently Stephens were the parents of nine children. The Reverend James Howard Stephens, Sr., their fourth child and second son, was born January 22, 1938. Mother Stephens affectionately nicknamed him "Peter Rabbit," because she said he was like the fictional rabbit in children stories who was mischievous and full of energy. Thus, he was known as “Pete".

Reverend Stephens moved with his family to Detroit, Michigan at an early age and received his education from the Detroit Public Schools. The family later moved to Cleveland, Ohio.

As a young man, he accepted Christ and was baptized at Temple Baptist Church by the late Pastor Reverend Eugene W. Ward, Sr. At the age of 19, he answered the divine call of God to preach the gospel and under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Ward, he was licensed and ordained.

Reverend Stephens had an unquenchable thirst for the word of God and faithfully studied to show himself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). For 66 years (Notably: A year for each book in the Bible). Reverend Stephens dedicated his life to God’s work. He organized and was the Pastor of Holy Temple Baptist Church; was twice Pastor of Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church of America and was Pastor of United Fellowship Christian Church. He was well recognized and respected in the Christian Community. He was frequently invited to speak, preach and run revivals.

About Pete

Pete had a great sense of humor

Pete was a joy to be around

Pete honored his parents

Pete as a husband loved his wife

Pete as a father adored all his children

Pete as a "Granddaddy" loved all his grandchildren

Pete, as a brother, appreciated his siblings

Pete, as a man of God, was thankful to God for his family reunions and friends

Pete, as a servant of God, loved God, the church, and the church family

During his illness, although bedridden, he spent countless hours reading his bible, singing, praying, and preaching all the way up to Wednesday, May 17, 2023, the day he took off mortality and put on immortality. That day, he left a powerful legacy message "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

Reverend Stephens memory lives on with his wife Charlena King Stephens; Son, James Howard Stephens, Jr., Daughters; Pamela Coleman (Robert), Cynthia Bradley, Angela Parker (Harold), of Slidell, Louisiana, and Thea Wellons, Sisters; Shirley Johnson, Carolyn Stephens, and Sandra Shearer, Brother; The Reverend Stanley Stephens ( Judy), of Chicago, Illinois, Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren, and Great-Great Grandchildren, Nieces, and Nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving daughter Jessica Nicole Stephens both parents Lewis and Lucy Stephens, Brothers Johnny and Donald Stephens, Sisters Royce Andresa Stephens and Sahirah Rasheed.

Respectfully submitted, The Family