Harold Stephens

Harold Stephens was born on March 8, 1948 in Bossier City, Louisiana to Earnest and Pauline Lee Stephens,  the sixth child of  eight. While Harold was young,  the family to Houston, Texas. He embraced his faith early in life and was baptized at South Union Church of Christ where he remained a devoted member until his passing. He actively participated in various ministries at the church until his declining health prevented his active involvement.

Harold's formative years were spent in the Sunnyside Community, and he graduated from Evan E. Worthing High School in 1966. After high school, he pursued higher education at Texas Southern University before enlisting in the Air Force. During his service, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois, all while stationed at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California. He chose to stay in California, commencing his professional journey at Hughes Aircraft. Subsequently, he returned to his beloved Houston where he joined the City of Houston Water/Wastewater Operations Division of the Houston Public Works. Harold dedicated 27 years of his life to public service, retiring in May 2023 as the Utility Mechanic Supervisor. He was deeply respected and cherished by his colleagues who supported him wholeheartedly throughout his illness, a testament to the impact he made in the workplace.

Harold Stephens was not only dedicated to his work and family but also had a passion for sports. An avid sports enthusiast, he spent his leisure time immersing himself in the excitement of football, basketball, and tennis matches. Harold faced immense challenges in his lifetime, having bravely fought and survived two battles with cancer. His resilience and courage were an inspiration to all who knew him. Despite the hardships he endured, Harold remained steadfast in his faith, often sharing his timeless wisdom with others: "Let go and let God." These words encapsulated his belief in the power of faith and surrender, providing comfort and strength to those around him. His quiet spirit, gentle demeanor, and serene presence had a profound impact on everyone he met. In the face of life's challenges, he demonstrated an extraordinary ability to find peace, becoming a beacon of hope for those around him.

One of Harold's remarkable qualities was his ability to maintain a bright smile and offer a warm greeting to everyone he encountered, regardless of how he was feeling. His actions served as a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness and compassion, even in the midst of personal struggles. His unwavering positivity and inner strength continue to inspire others to approach life's challenges with grace and strength.

On the night of December 31, 2001, Harold and Joyce Washington first crossed paths at a New Year's Eve fellowship held at South Union Church. Their connection grew, leading them to exchange vows on June 22, 2002, in the presence of their families and friends. Harold Stephens will be remembered for his       unwavering faith and his dedication to his wife and family. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Harold passed away peacefully on October 2, 2023 in Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents,  brother (Launzer Stephens), two sisters (Martha Hightower and Sadie Clark(, and his grandson (Demaine Smith). Left cherish his memory are his wife of 21 years, Joyce Washington Stephens; children: Angela Stephens McFarland; Glynn Van Norton (Lasandra) and Harold Stephens, Jr., and their mother, Glendena Stephens; grandchildren; Ieshia, Santana, Sosa, Nevaeh, Tatiana, Kayla, Timothy, Glenn, Jr., and Bryan; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings,  Earnest Stephens, Jr. (Bessie), Lemerce Holley (Thurston), Rece Tucker, and Marcellious Stephens (Chris); mother-in-law, Ruthie Washington; sisters-in-law, Derotha Stephens, Carolyn Lee (Marvin), Linda Washington, Sandra Davis (Abraham), Barbara Lewis (John), Claudia Greene, Cynthia Phillips (Gregory); brothers-in-law, Claudell Washington, Kenneth Washington, and a host of  nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family.

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