Reverend Stephen, Sr.

Reverend Dr. Johnnie O' Harold Stephen was born on December 23, 1925, in Greenwood, South Carolina to his parents, Octavious Stephens and Eliza Burns Stephens. He was the sixth child born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his brothers, David, Mack, Tommie, William, Sr. and his sisters, Henrietta "Hen", Martha and Louise. Growing up, he loved to fish and travel. Reverend Stephen received his formal education in South Carolina by attending East End Elementary School and Brewer High School. On April 19, 1944, Reverend Stephen enlisted in the United States Navy. While serving his country, he earned several awards and citations for meritorious service to include an American Area Campaign Medal, an Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and a World War II Victory Medal. He served with distinction and was honorably discharged at the rank of a Chief Petty Officer. Reverend Stephen furthered his education by attending Wayne State University, studying Mortuary Science. He completed course study from Metropolitan College and the Baptist Bible College both in Denver, Colorado. He later enrolled the United Theological Seminary in Monroe, Louisiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Theology Degree on May 1, 1980. He continued on and earned his Master of Religious Education Degree on May 1, 1982, from the United Theological Seminary in Monroe, LA, and on May 5, 1984, he extended his study further and earned another Master of Theological Degree from the United Theological Seminary. During his time of study and matriculation, Reverend Stephen's understood where his help came from and adopted Proverbs 3:6 as his favorite scripture; "In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." This scripture was a great source of spiritual inspiration and encouragement to him. On March 20, 1954, Reverend Stephen united in holy matrimony to the former Frances Green. The couple first met when they both resided in Greenwood, SC. They exchanged vows in the parsonage of Reverend Walker in Greenwood SC. The couple relocated to Meriden, Connecticut and lived in the home of Reverend Archie and Lillie Mae Green and they fellowshipped at the Mt. Hebron Baptist Church where Reverend Fred Hicks was the pastor. They eventually relocated to Denver, Colorado in 1956, making Colorado there home and prepared to start their family. To this union, Johnnie, Jr and Vickie S. were born. They both remember their father as a man full wisdom, knowledge and strong Christian beliefs. He taught them the importance of having the right relationship with the Lord, and the power of prayer and how prayer changes things. Reverend Stephen was later blessed with a granddaughter named Kyla, who was an additional source of joy and pride in his life. He was also the great grandfather of Alexes, Tori and Leilah; they too have shared many happy and memorable moments together. Reverend Stephen answered his call to the ministry in 1957, under his father in the ministry, the late Dr. John T. Walker, pastor of Union Baptist Church. He was ordained in 1958. Reverend Stephen was called to pastor the Mount Zion Baptist Church in La Junta, CO in May 1959. He pastored there for 23 years. He also pastored the Second Baptist Church in Lamar, CO for eight years. He relocated to Denver and served as Assistant to the Pastor, Reverend Dr. D. M. Survine at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church for a number of years. On August 6, 1989, Reverend Stephen agreed to serve as interim pastor of The Divine Missionary Baptist Church Denver, CO. Dr. Stephen was installed as pastor of Divine Missionary Baptist Church on February 11, 1990, and labored there until his retirement on February 25, 2007 and serves as Pastor Emeritus. Reverend Stephen currently worshipped and served the Lord at the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Fred Brockington. His greatest joy and happiness was when he was able to study the Bible and spread the gospel to any and all who was in his presence. Reverend Stephen was a man who was all about doing his Fathers work. He has served as Moderator of the General Missionary Baptist Association. He served as President of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention. He has served as Treasurer of the East Denver Ministerial Alliance. He served on the Board of Directors for the Denver Opportunity Industrialization Center. He worked with the Robinson and Son Mortuary in Greenwood, SC as a Mortician and Staff Pastor. He also worked with Diggs Mortuary in Detroit, Michigan. He traveled extensively doing evangelistic work. He had even traveled overseas with Sun Myung Moon. He was respected by all who knew him. Reverend Stephen enjoyed reading and studying the Bible. He enjoyed watching his favorite television programs especially when he could watch and listen to good preaching. He truly enjoyed being surrounded by his fellow brothers in the ministry. Well Done, Reverend J. O. Stephen. You leave a legacy of love and you leave a void that can never be filled. Reverend Johnnie O'Harold Stephen departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on April 26, 2016, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his loving and devoted wife, Frances G. Stephen of Denver; his son, Johnnie O. (Michelle) Stephen, Jr. of Commerce City, CO; his daughter, Vickie S. Stephen of Denver; one brother, William O. Stephens of Brooklyn, New York; one sister, Louise (Anderson) Bolden of Greenwood, SC; one granddaughter, Kyla (TSgt William) Liggins of Kaiserslautern Germany; three great grandchildren, Alexes R., Liggins of LaGrange, TX, Tori J. and Leilah K. Liggins both of Kaiserslautern Germany; his closed family friends, Leslie and Anita Cunningham; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 5/5/2016 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 5/6/2016 at 11:00 AM - Union Baptist Church - 3200 Dahlia Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 5/6/2016 at 2:00 PM Following the Service Fort Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO