Celebrating the Life of Wilbert Stephens

Musical Prelude............................................................................................Luther Chambers Processional................................................................................................Clergy and Family Scripture Reading Old Testament ..............................................................................................Minister New Testament.............................................................................................Minister Prayer of Comfort......................................................................................................Minister Musical Selection...................................................................................GBC Music Ministry Reflections................................................................................................... Herbert Hartwell Bobby Williams James “Poo” Johnson Acknowledgments............................................................................................Linda P. Travis Silent Reading of the Obituary Photo Montage Musical Selection...................................................................................GBC Music Ministry Eulogy......................................................................................Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr. Holy Communion Recessional...................................................................................Clergy, Family, and Friends

Hampton Memorial Gardens 110 Butler Farm Road Hampton, Va 23666

Wilbert L. Stephens, aka “Dickie” or “Big Steve” 88, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 in Sentara Hospital after a brief illness.

Dickie was the husband of Irma J. Stephens, who passed on June 3, 2022. He was born on July 27, 1933 in Emporia, VA. His parents moved to Newport News where he was educated and was proud graduate of Huntington High School Class of 1953. On July 4, 1958, he married his high school love, Irma and to this 64 year union two children were born: Glen and Robbin.

After high school Dickie joined the Army where he served in the Korean war and traveled to various places. He briefly worked for Newport News Shipyard until he was offered a position with Exxon Mobil as a driver where he remained for 31 years. After retirement he worked for Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel from 1991 to 2019.

Dickie was proud to be called a founder of Gethsemane Baptist Church where he had many hats during the years to include serving on the men’s choir; trustee board; bus ministry and he oversaw the snack machine. Because of his faithful service to Gethsemane, he was awarded honorary Emeritus status.

Dickie was known as the “Mayor” and neighborhood watch to his neighbors on Pennsylvania Avenue. He would sit on the porch and tell you what’s going on and who did what.

Dickie was predeceased by his parents, Isaiah and Mattie Stephens, brother James “Rudolph” Stephens; his wife Irma and his beloved son Glen Stephens.

Left to cherish his memories is his daughter, Robbin Freeman (Steve), his loving daughter-inlaw Keitha Stephens; grandchildren: Lamar Rice, Baltimore, MD; Kaylynn Stephens, Hampton, VA and Sydne Freeman, Temple Hills, MD; nephews; James “Peanut” Stephens of Newport News, VA and Devin Stephens of Tifton, GA; one niece, Kim Robinson of Hampton, VA; many cousins and extended family.

Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me”.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes we’re together again.

Family Members and Friends

The family would like to thank everyone who called and expressed condolences during this time. Continue to keep us in your prayers in the days, weeks, months and years to come. May God bless each of you.