Stephen "Steve" Belden Japhet

Stephen "Steve" Belden Japhet, age 76, of Jonesboro, Georgia passed away October 14, 2021. Steve was born September 17, 1945 in Houston, Texas to the late Gustav Daniel and Doris Adele Belden Japhet. He was preceded in death by a brother, Nick Japhet.

Steve lived in the Rice University area with his parents and two brothers (Dan Japhet and Nick Japhet). He graduated high school from San Marcus Military School in San Marcus, Texas in 1964. Then he earned his Associated of Arts degree from South Texas Junior College in 1967. Steve then went on to earn his Electrical and Mathematics degree from University of Houston in 1971. In 1984-1985 he continued his Electrical and Mathematics degree at San Jacinto College in Houston. Steve worked at the VA Hospital in medical research for a few years before going on to start his career with the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 31 (Houston, Texas) and Local 32 (Atlanta, Georgia). He served on the Executive Board Committee for the International Union of Elevator Constructors at Local 31 in Houston, Texas for many years before moving to Atlanta, Georgia. While here in Atlanta, Georgia he work at the Emory Campus overseeing the campus elevators. Steve was a very diligent, hard working man and always went to work. He retired from his elevator work in 2002 with 40 years of service.

Steve married Sue Gilmore Japhet on December 17, 1977 in Houston, Texas. They have been married almost 45 years and we praise the Lord for that! They have 2 beautiful children Stephanie Sue Japhet Jones and Stephen Joshua Japhet. God has been good to them!

Steve became a Christian in 1981, with a mighty testimony of what God can do. He turned his life around an went full speed ahead with Jesus. He was in the Methodist Hospital were James Brooks, a Chaplin there, came to visit him. James Brooks prayed with Steve to accept Jesus Christ as his Savior. That was a BIG turning point in his life and his family. They joined Parkway Baptist Church and then Calvary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. In 1987 they moved to Atlanta, Georgia where they are active members of the First Baptist Church Atlanta for over 34 years. Steve served in various roles at FBA - from the Preschool Department, Ushering, Missions and other various events and departments. He had countless special bonds with his church family, whom he loved as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Their daughter, Stephanie Sue Japhet Jones married her husband, Ryan Jones and gave him 3 beautiful grandchildren - Austin, Chase and Hallie Grace Jones. Steve loved going to the boys baseball and football games and playing with Hallie Grace with her cowboy ropes and horses. Steve loved fishing with the boys on the farm in Texas. He loved them to the moon and back! They brought him so much joy and made him laugh. The grandkids were always willing to help their PAPA.

Steve loved and cared for his family. He was a good man, good husband, good father and a good friend to those who knew him. He always tried to lead people the right way. Steve was one of a kind! He had the biggest heart for his family, friends and especially his Lord. Well done good and faithful servant.

Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Sue Japhet; children, Stephanie Japhet (Ryan) Jones and Stephen Japhet; grandchildren, Austin, Chase and Hallie Grace Jones; brother, Dan Japhet, sister in law, Nancy Japhet; several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, October 21, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Atlanta Chapel, 4400 North Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30338. Visitation at 10:00 AM followed by services at 11:00 AM.

Pastor Paul Diamond will officiate. Burial will be held privately in the Pennington Cemetery, Pennington TX.