Willie Stephens, Jr., 69, passed away peacefully on December 22,
2022. He was born on November 5, 1953 to the late Willie
Stephens, Sr. and Louise Stephens. Mr. Stephens was a native of
Jacksonville, Florida. Willie graduated from Stanton High
School—Class of 1971.
Shortly after graduating in 1971, Willie joined the United States
Air Force. During this time, he gained a passion to help his
community. Upon his discharge from the military, he became a
Firefighter & EMT with the City of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue
Department, serving over 20 years. He retired in 2008.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife for over 30
years, Mrs. Patricia C. Stephens; sister, Deborah Stephens-Johnson
(Orlando); children, Duane Melvin, Jason Stephens, Derrick
Patterson, (Ariana), Michael Townes, Alisha Parson, Andre
Parson, Colbren Parson, and Tariq Jacobs; grandchildren, Jasmyne
Stephens, Kayla Patterson, Ayanna Walker, Jailen Gross, Lauryn
Ashley Stephens, Latavaia Rickerson, Lataya Roberts, Paige
Melvin, Payton Melvin, Layla Walker, and Cheyanne & Jaiden
Townes; uncle, Albert Stafford, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Willie touched the lives of many people, and he will surely be missed.