Walter Lewis Stephens

Walter Lewis Stephens (77), more affectionately known as “Chip” was born on March 5, 1944, in Gadsden, Alabama. He transitioned peacefully at his home on September 20, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with kidney and heart illness. Walter was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Irene Stephens, his oldest sister Sylvia Harris and youngest sister Terry Mobley. Chip was raised and attended schools in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Walter (Chip) joined the United States Army in 1962 and held the rank of Master Sergeant (MSG) and the position of General Engineering Supervisor. He retired after honorably serving twenty-seven (27) years at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in 1989. He furthered his career at Fort Belvoir Lodging as a Supply Operations Manager, he retired in 2009 after 20 years.

In 1979, Chip met the love of his life, Verdell aka Vee Vee and they were married on November 9, 1983. They shared a wonderful loving life together; Vee Vee was truly his Queen, who showered him with her love; she was his confidant, protector, loving caregiver and provider. She nurtured and nursed him throughout his illness remaining by his side committed to honoring their marriage vows “to love him in sickness and in health”. She was at his side when he was called home to be with the Lord. Chip treasured and loved his baby granddaughter Imari and his oldest granddaughter Lauren and his only grandson Lewis; he was a proud father and grandfather.

Chip was known for his sense of humor, and love of his family. His hobbies were fishing, bowling, a builder, carpenter and he was a master chef; he loved watching his Dallas Cowboys and playing Bid Whist and 6-5-4.

Throughout his illness and going to dialysis three-days a week, Chip was always very attentive to God’s word and he never wavered in his faith.

Beautiful memories of Chip will forever remain with his loved ones, which include his loving wife Verdell Michelle Stephens; Children: Daughters Toisaun (Ed) Denson and Crystal I. Stephens; Step-son Byron O. Vessels; Grandchildren: Lauren and Lewis Denson and Imari Stephens; Sister: Judy Mobley; Brothers: Sylvester White and Eddie Stephens; Sisters-n-law: Joclyn and Regina Vessels, and Lisa (Stanley) Burton; Uncle and Aunt-n-law Carl (Jean) Umstead; Sisters of the Heart: Cathy Washington, Valerie (Otha) Brinkley and Fredricka (Ron) Kearney; Brother of the Heart Reginald Warner, Sr., and a large host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.