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Rejoicing this wonderful life of Joseph R. Stephens, Jr. was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Thelma (Tynes) and Joseph Stephens Sr. (deceased).
“Joey” to all that knew him was the skinny kid from the projects who loved to play baseball; people who knew Joey would say that his father was getting him ready for the big leagues. He attended Boston Public Schools: Sherwin, Boston Latin and English High where he graduated in 1962. Joey marched in the “President Kennedy’s Inaugural Paraded known as Latin School Hops aboard Kennedy Bandwagon.”
Joey worked at various jobs: Roxbury Boys & Girls Club, the Charlestown Naval Ship Yard, and Sheraton Hotel before he made his career in law enforcement in 1975 becoming a Boston Police Officer in 1977 and joining the elite organization of Afro-American Police Inc. Before retiring from the police department, Joey started volunteering at the Franklin Park Zoo, where later after retirement he became a part-time committed employee, enjoying nature at its best.
Education was extremely important to Joey; he worked many days attending classes at Boston College receiving a Bachelor of Science in 1982 then receiving his masters at Anna Maria College.
Joey was married to the late Rachel Simpson and shared seventeen years of marriage before GOD called her home suddenly in 1990. To that union they had one child Chanel Joy, whom Joey raised mostly by himself. Joey was proud of Chanel when she graduated from Clarke A. University & Kennesaw State; then having a wonderful family of her own.
Joey later met Adrienne Nunley and married her in 1999 after a long courtship. Once Joey and Adrienne were married, he became stepfather to Michelle and Shelley. Joey loved Adrienne and all his family.
To his grandchildren Xavier & Vivienne Jones, Tavi Jean Francis and Sovann-James McWilliams he was known as “Papa” and would have a big smile on his face when he talked about them.
Joey loved to play cards, watch the football, basketball and baseball games on TV and when he traveled, he had to go to the zoo’s in the state he would visit. Joey was an avid Boston Globe reader and had to have his newspaper every morning, whether it was raining or snowing outside.
Joey was a proud member of Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts: A.E.A. Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Arabian Sheiks Class 1992, 1st Ceremonial Officer 1993, 1st Ceremonial Master 1994, Oriental Guide 1995, The Holy Sepulchre Consistory #17 and M.A.M.L.E.O, a devoted Brother of Union Lodge No. Joey enjoyed traveling all over with his lodge brothers and marching along with the bands during the festivities and later on with his nephew Melvin Simpson by his side.
After many health issues this past years, where his wife Adrienne took good care of him.
Joey was called home to join his parents and his sisters Rita Lovelace & Karen Stephens.
He leaves to celebrate his life: his wife Adrienne Stephens, daughter Chanel, husband Kevin Jones, Stepdaughter Michelle, McWilliams, Anthony Francis Son-In-Law, Stepson Shelley McWilliams. His grandchildren Xavier, Vivienne, Tavi-Jean Francis, & Sovann-James McWilliams, his loving cousins Charmaine, Diane, Rita, Laurel’s husband Arthur. His loving brother-in-laws Alan Craddock, wife Gloria and Daren Nunley, wife Joellen. His cousin-in-law Ronnie Eberhart (who took care of us in Atlanta). Our extended family Vallerie, Enoch, God-daughter Gee-Gee, Destiny, Florence, Robin, Lorraine, Larry, Jocelyn Jerry, The Craddock, Simpson, Grant, Walker, Norman, Johnson, Lewis, Stewart, Families. His host of nieces and nephews who he loved. Joey, we loved you but GOD loves you best.
Ms. Tena Dendy thanks for the introduction.
Past-Pastor Rev Gerald - Thank you for the guidance, family counseling, & inspiration.
Mrs. Clara Bell & TBC Family - thank you.
To our Stone Meadow Community. Our Fieldstone Circle - Love
In Lieu of flowers please make a donation in memory of Past Membership Employee Joseph R. Stephens Jr. at his beloved Franklin Park Zoo.
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