Mrs. Patricia Stephen

Patricia Lee Stephen, affectionately known to everyone as Pat, was born on December 31, 1950, in Pickens, Mississippi, to James H. and Annie Mae Brooks. She was the fifth of thirteen children, and from an early age, Pat was a loving and caring sister who took pride in helping raise her younger siblings. Family was always important to her, and she carried that love and sense of responsibility throughout her life.

Pat attended Gilpin Elementary School, Cole Junior High School, and graduated from Manuel High School in 1967. She was a natural scholar who excelled in school and had a genuine love for reading, learning, and discovering new things. Pat was intelligent, curious, and always had a way of bringing what she learned into conversations with the people around her.

In 1975, Pat met the love of her life, Paul M. Stephen, while shopping at Woolworth’s. Their meeting was the beginning of a beautiful journey together. Pat and Paul were married in 1977, and from their union came their children, Jackson, Lola, and Shola. They also experienced the heartbreaking loss of a set of twin girls, whom Pat carried in her heart throughout her life.

Pat poured herself into raising her children and supporting her family. She was also by Paul’s side as he built two successful businesses, Port Professional Skycap and Club Limousine. Later, Pat worked for United Airlines before retiring from RTD.

But if there was one thing everyone knew about Pat, it was this: Pat knew how to have a good time!

Pat was truly the life of the party. Her smile could light up a room, and her laugh could make you forget whatever was bothering you. She had a personality that drew people in and a spirit that made ordinary moments feel like celebrations. Pat loved to dance, play cards, tell stories, laugh until her stomach hurt, and simply enjoy the people she loved. Wherever Pat was, there was a good chance somebody was laughing, somebody was dancing, and everyone was having a good time.

During retirement, Pat embraced life and made the most of her time. She loved traveling with her girls, Lola and Shola, and enjoyed trips to the casino with her best friends Carolyn and Carol. She cherished spending time with the OG’s, where she could kick back, dance, play cards, and laugh the night away. She also treasured time with her grandchildren Jaylah, Jamani, Jackson, and Eliel. Pat also enjoyed relaxing and chilling with her partner in crime, Mark.

Pat had a gift for making people feel welcome, loved, and included. She could walk into a room and change its entire energy simply by being herself. She was strong, loving, funny, smart, independent, and full of life. She loved deeply, laughed loudly, and lived in a way that left memories that will be carried by her family and friends forever.

Patricia Lee Stephen leaves to cherish her memory her children, Segun Stephen, Jackson (Shanika) Stephen, Lola Stephen, and Shola Stephen; her grandchildren, Jaylah, Jamani, Jackson, and Eliel Stephen; her sisters, Geraldine Sproling and Veronica Smith; her brother, John Brooks; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Stephen; her parents, James and Annie Mae Brooks; her sisters, Limmie, Dorothy, and Marilyn; and her brothers, Orlando, Lionel, Melvin, Christopher, Walter, and Antonio.

Though Pat is no longer with us, her presence will never truly leave us. We will see her in the laughter shared around a table, hear her in the stories told by those who knew and loved her, and feel her spirit whenever the music starts and someone gets up to dance. Pat lived life on her own terms—with a big heart, a bright smile, and a whole lot of fun. And knowing Pat, she’d probably tell us not to be too sad… just keep the party going.