Colbert Wulfran Stephen

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Colbert “Cutty” Wulfran Stephen was born in Trinidad & Tobago on March 20, 1943 - along with his twin brother, Wilbert. As an adult, he aspired to a teaching career, and was known for his measured and thoughtful disposition. It proved to be part of his charm when he met fellow instructor Wilma Legerton at a party in 1965 - who saw in him a kindred spirit. They were married in August of 1969, and Colbert became a first time father to Wilma’s adopted son, Ernel “Ernesto” Gary Vialva.

After the birth of their son Kendal, Colbert and his family emigrated to the United States so he could pursue an engineering degree at Howard University. His third child, Kevin, was a happy family addition to an albeit strenuous academic curriculum and a busy cab driving job. In 1979, he finished his degree and accepted a position as a civil engineer with the Maryland State Highway Administration, but his affinity for people (and extra income) led him to continue operating a Washington DC taxicab. Ten years later, he and Wilma became naturalized US citizens.

Colbert enjoyed many hobbies and activities, passing on his love for music, tennis, Washington DC football, and his birth nation of Trinidad on to his three sons. He was significantly less successful getting them to share his love of cricket. A believer in both self-awareness and self-improvement, he consumed many books on spirituality and philosophy, and spent time as a member of the nonprofit educational group, Toastmasters International.

Wilbert’s passing from cancer in 2001 galvanized Colbert when facing a similar diagnosis several years later. He embraced the radical surgical procedures and medical treatments and was rewarded with many more productive and enjoyable years with his loved ones. 2015 saw him enter a well earned retirement from the MD SHA, but also brought the sad and untimely passing of his son, Ernel, due to stroke complications.

In his latter years, he found fulfillment and purpose in celebrating and spoiling his four granddaughters, being an attentive husband and caregiver to Wilma, traveling internationally, and - perhaps most satisfyingly - picking winners at the horse track. On April 28, 2023, Colbert suffered a stroke that left him hospitalized. But his mind remained sharp - he correctly picked the 2023 Kentucky Derby winner. It seemed he would make a full recovery, but his physical condition rapidly deteriorated, and as it became clear that his time was short, he expressed a sole desire to live long enough to see Mother’s Day for his wife, Wilma - which he did, passing away early Sunday May 14.

Colbert was preceded in death by his parents George and Edna; his brothers, Peter and Wilbert; his sisters, Ellen and Annabella; and his adopted son, Ernel. He is survived by his wife Wilma; his sons Kendal and Kevin; his daughters-in-law Lelleth Jones and Lawanda Summers-Stephen, his granddaughters Lia Vialva, Kendra Summers-Stephen, Kahlan Summers-Stephen, and Kennedy Summers-Stephen; and his sisters Leona, Eastlyn, and Andrea. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, grace, goodwill, self-discovery, humor, and above all, love. Colbert: our Brother, Husband, Uncle, Grandpa, and Dad - will forever be deeply missed by family, friends, and admirers alike. We love you.