Idee Louis Stephens

Idee “Stevie” Louis Stephens was born January 8, 1929 in Corrigan Texas to Roy Stephens and Maddie Hulett Stephens. He left home at an early age and worked odd jobs before joining the US Army. He fought in the Korean War from 1943 to 1950. After his last tour of duty he was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA until he was Honorably Discharged from he Army and he relocated to Portland, OR. He was a hardworking man he had numerous jobs working as a welder and Automobile Detailer. Eventually he decided to work as a welder for Esco Corporation. He worked for ESCO for forty- five years before retiring. Stevie was a jack of all trades he could fix anything plumbing, electrical, anything around the home and most car repairs. If he didn’t know how to repair something He would buy a book(s) and study up on how to repair whatever it was which gave him the challenge. Idee was a man who believed in taking care of his family and prided himself on living the life to show and mentor younger men on how to be men. Idee’s hobbies included working on cars, fishing, playing pool, cards and dominos. And drinking a little Vodka now and then.

On May 18th 1962, Idee married Betty Jean Jordan and shortly thereafter they joined Mt. Olivet Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor John H. Jackson, Sr. To this union they had one child together, Andrea Stephens-Bontemps. Idee leaves to mourn his passing a son, Wendell Brooks; daughters Teresita Andrews, Rica Brooks, and Andrea Stephens-Bontemps (Michael Bontemps); sister Teresa Swain; grandchildren Cyra Andrews, Cameron, André Brooks, Larry Brooks II, Sherica Brooks, Sheilby Idee Purvis Stephens (Elisha Hannibal), Londyn Johnson-Brooks, Jordan Bontemps, Madison Bontemps, Carter Brooks; great-grandchildren Shea Brooks, Devin Brooks, Makeli Brooks, Jace Hannibal, Alex Brenier, Amelia Brenier,Brooklyn Brenier; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents Maddie and Roy Stephens; son Larry Brooks; sisters Bessie Mae Stephens, Myra Flanagan, Doris Ball, and Estelle Stephens; brothers Bob Stephens, Nathaniel Stephens, and Roy Chester Stephens.