Albert Stephenson

Albert was born on August 21, 1935, to Lola Mae Croft in Savanna, Georgia. Her untimely passing when he was a toddler led to Albert being raised by his uncle and aunt, Mose and Mollie Braziel in Lyons, Georgia. During his high school years, Albert attended Lyons Colored High School where he excelled academically and was a leading scorer on the basketball team. After graduating from high school in 1953, Albert attended Morris Brown College. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1961. During his 21 years of service Albert traveled the world, achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, and was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone as well as the Meritorious Service Medal presented to those who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States.

Albert retired from the military in 1982. He completed a Master of Divinity at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas. Shortly after he earned a Master of Science with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida. Albert served as the Chaplain for South Florida State Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. He also served on the ministerial staff at Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in Miami, Florida and First Baptist Church Piney Grove in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida prior to becoming the pastor of True Love Missionary Baptist Church in Hallandale, Florida.

Albert met Theodora “Teddi” McLeod in 1988. They fell in love, married in 1991, and enjoyed 31 loving years together.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents Lola Mae Croft, Mose Braziel, Sr and Mollie Braziel; his siblings Wanda Braziel and Mose Braziel, Jr.; and his first wife Blanche Viola Stephenson.

He is survived by his wife Theodora “Teddi” Stephenson. Fondly remembered by his sisters Shirley Braziel and Bonita Braziel. And he will live on through his daughters Cynthia Darvise Powell; Albertine Elissa Stephenson and Kristine Audrea Stephenson from his first marriage; his grandchildren Simone Chenet Jackson, Bryce Kristian Stephenson-Pickett, and great-grandchild Phillip Alexander Jackson, Jr.

Albert was a kind and compassionate family man whose dry wit added levity to any situation. Through the ministry and his military service, Albert’s kindness and compassion positively impacted many lives.

His funeral service will be held Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 5:30PM and guest viewing will be from 5-5:30 at Bailey Memorial, 6701 West Commercial Blvd, Tamarac, FL 33319. Please send sympathy gifts to the Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Chapel, 7701 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, FL 33068.