Marion Stephens

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That man is a success—who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it; who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

Marion “Steve” Stephens was born May 15,1943 in Laurens, South Carolina. The ninth child of the late Lloyd and Ada Alls Stephens. His siblings consist of six brothers and five sisters. Steve attended the public school system of Laurens County, SC where he graduated in 1962. Encouraged by his mother, he became involved in the Church at an early age. His favorite activities included Youth Class Sunday School Teacher, Youth Day Program Chairman, and Delegate to the Youth Christian Leadership Conference. Graduating number 5 in his class of 92 members, he was awarded the distinguished “Citizenship Award” for Outstanding Leadership in his community.

During his High School years, Steve was a star athlete earning letters in football, basketball, and track. He was a member of the Students Council and Senior Class President. During his teenage years, he was invited to all the parties because he was the only kid in school that had a portable phonograph and a collection of 45 RPM Records. Steve’s athletic skills earned him a three-year football Scholarship at South Carolina Technical Institute, Denmark, SC where he earned an associate’s degree in Electronics. After finishing Technical School in 1965, Steve volunteered to serve in the US Army where his leadership skills earned him the rank of “Private First Class” while still in Basic Training. His complete tour in the military was served in New Jersey. During this time, Steve also attended Brookdale Community College where he earned a degree in Business Management.

Steve had a passion for community service. He coached five years of Biddy Basketball, eight years coaching Pop Warner Football and over thirty-four years of service with The Monmouth County Cotillion Committee, Inc., an organization that has provided over $1 million in scholarships and awards to college bound high school students. Steve served as Board President of STARS Community Development Corporation (a non-profit group devoted to rebuilding a depressed section of Asbury Park, NJ).

Initiated into the ELKS at Joseph T. Newman Lodge #998 of Neptune, NJ in July 1985, Steve served on and chaired several committees. He held several offices in the lodge and was elected Exalted Ruler in 1997. Steve received his Past Exalted Rulers Degree in Council #20 in 1987, Past State Presidents Degree in 1990 and Past Grand Exalted Rulers Degree in 1991. He also served as the Youth Activities Committee Chairman at J.T. Newman Lodge, NJ State Beauty and Talent Department Production manager and President of the Past State Presidents Club. His Grand Lodge appointments include Grand Lodge Beauty and Talent Production Manager and District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in the Middle District of New Jersey. Steve was currently a member of Walter J. Conley Lodge #1379 Freehold, NJ.

Steve is predeceased by his son, Marion Vincent Stephens; his parents, Lloyd and Ada Stephens; four brothers, J.W. Stephens, Lloyd Stephens, Jr., George Stephens, Leroy Stephens; and three sisters, Henrietta Robertson, Ophelia Williams, Loyce Stephens; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Ramsey and Carolyn Ramsey.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife and best friend, Brenda Ramsey-Stephens; one son Michael Turner (SC); one daughter Stephanie Gordon (TN); three grandsons, Michael Turner Jr. (SC), Marin Stephens (VA), and Isaiah Gordon (TN); four great-grandchildren, Vincent Stephens (VA), Armonni Long-Stephens (VA), Christina Turner (SC) and Michael Turner III (SC); two brothers Robert (Vickie) Stephens (NJ), Joe Stephens (SC); two sisters Mary S. Anderson (SC), Carol McDowell (SC); three brothers-in law Glenn (Donna) Ramsey (NJ), Alan (Trish) Ramsey (NJ), Kirk Ramsey (NJ); two sisters-in-law Deborah Ramsey (NJ), Sharon (Glenn) Ford (NJ); devoted and caring friend, Blossie Stephens (NJ), as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will continue to celebrate his life and legacy.

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