Charles C. Stephens

Charles Cole Stephens Professor Emeritus
Following a lengthy illness, on June 13th, 2024, the adventurous, inquisitive, multi-talented, colorful and charismatic, Charles Cole Stephens of Fort Gratiot, Michigan, reluctantly gave up his earthly presence, having, for several months, fought heroically to continue savoring this great gift of life.
He is survived by his long-time love, Anne Brown; son, David Stephens of Schaumburg, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his dear friend and colleague, Margaret Stone.
Born (1938) in Charleston, South Carolina, Charles Stephens received his Bachelor's in Music Education from Murray State University, Kentucky; Master's in Composition from Michigan State University; and completed his PhD course work and comprehensive exams in Composition (ABD) at that same institution. In 1968 his Master's Thesis, States of Mind, was awarded first-prize at the Richmond (Virginia) Professional Institute's Composition Competition.
Professor Stephens joined the faculty of St. Clair County Community College in 1969 with the mandate to develop a Music Curriculum which would facilitate a student's transfer to a major four-year institution. In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Stephens resurrected the St. Clair Community College Symphonic Band and a vocal ensemble, The College Singers, thus providing a performance venue for both college and adult community musicians. He retired from the College in late 1995, having served the last eleven years as Chairman of Visual and Performing Arts.
A keen, always unconventional (sometimes arriving on his beloved Harley) ambassador for the Arts, Professor Stephens was a member of the Board of Directors of: The International Symphony Orchestra; the Community Foundation of St. Clair County's Arts Committee; and in 2006 was the Founding President of the Blue Water Jazz Society. He acted as Music Director for numerous Theater Production and especially enjoyed bringing music to the banks of the Black River - preparing and conducting a popular Summer Concert Series, enjoyed for nineteen years by large audiences drawn from both sides of the border.
Following retirement, he remained active as a performing musician- playing in the bass section of the Orchestra and working as a jazz bassist and bass-trumpeter- most often as a member of the Piano Company, a popular jazz group which, over a sixteen- year period, played hundreds of gigs throughout the County and beyond.
As the resident composer/arranger/orchestrator for the International Symphony Orchestra, over a thirty-year period Mr. Stephens created a copious collection of unique, customized orchestrations/ arrangements for a diversity of Guest Artists, Orchestra and Symphony Singers - along with six World Première compositions commissioned by the Orchestra, including his most recent, A Small Symphony-River of Silk, which premièred in March of 2023. He felt richly blessed to have had the skill and opportunity to contribute to the enrichment of the arts in our bridged communities. As an educator, composer, performing musician, visual artist, student of world religions, lover of learning, motorcycle enthusiast, carpenter, all-round Mr. Fix-it, fosterer of kitties, and friend/mentor to many, Charlie has left behind a large, rich legacy - and standing six-feet four inches, he was indeed larger than life! He will be remembered as a powerful but generous, soft-hearted presence - a true original not a copy.
Sincere thanks to his home - hospice team from Bluewater Hospice: Jennifer, both Amandas, Breanna and Miss Vickie. Your unwavering care and support throughout these past six months went above and beyond. Blessings to All.
In lieu of donations, Charlie has asked that you take time to: forgive a perceived trespass; ask freely for the forgiveness of others; always give more than requested and love and show abundant kindness to all – the true purpose of our journey.
Arrangements by Grace Memorial -Smith Chapel. Cremation will take place. An in-home Celebration of Life will be held on a later, to be announced date.
His Broken Body Shed - His Spirit Soars Go in Love