William J. Stevenson

William J. Stevenson was born on November 11, 1951, to Ruth Small and William J. Stevenson in Memphis, TN. William was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Lawrence Stevenson, Bennell Small, Frank Stevenson, and Abdul Muhaymin. Known affectionately by his family as Mel, Roy, and sometimes Rowdy Rod, he was very adventurous and outgoing. Roy graduated from the Job Corps and then proceeded to join the US Army. After being drafted into the Vietnam War, he attended college, obtained a degree, and began to establish his life.

William proudly worked for the City of Memphis for over 20 years, where he was also a member of the union and happily retired. He took pride in working part-time at FedEx for over 10 years. William wore multiple hats, from transporting children and handling books to being an alternate parent for children as a band booster parent for Mitchell High School Band from 2002 to 2006. He kept in touch with many of the children and parents up to the present date.

William gave his life to the Lord at Mount Joyner Church, where Reverend T.L. Taylor was his long-time pastor. In church, he participated in the men's choir, Bible study group, and enjoyed multiple friends and events. William was truly blessed to be loved by many and will never be forgotten.

William was the father of fourteen children: Julian Stevenson (Marcia) - Florissant, MO; Jermiece Taborn - Memphis, TN; Meljar Stevenson - Memphis, TN; Mario Stevenson - Memphis, TN; Travis Bledsoe - Memphis, TN; Damon Stevenson (LaTosha) - Indianapolis, IN; Dominique Stevenson - Indianapolis, IN; Demetrius Stevenson (Shirby) - Memphis, TN; Aquila Powell (Glenn) - Indianapolis, IN; Damila Stevenson - Indianapolis, IN; Deneisha Hardy (Maxie) - Memphis, TN; Anita Webb - Memphis, TN. William also has two children living abroad in Germany. He left behind a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Among those left behind was his life partner, Hattie Wilburn. William was survived by his sisters: Sheliah Stevenson - Indianapolis, IN; Annie Smith - Indianapolis, IN; Diana Joyner (Jimmie) - Indianapolis, IN; and his brother, Julian Gaines (Meiya) - Cleveland, OH.