Hope G. Stephens

Hope Genevieve "Hopie" Stephens quietly departed this life on May 29, 2025, at the age of 88, after a long illness with dementia.
Hope was born in Boscobel, Port Maria, Jamaica, West Indies, to parents Reginald and Gladys Beckford on September 29, 1937. Hope pursued her education in Jamaica and later in New York City, earning a diploma in stenography and an associate degree in accounting. Her career spanned roles in the public and private sectors, including many dedicated years as Credit Controller at The Housing Corporation in Bermuda.
Hope was a woman of many talents: an accomplished bookkeeper, gardener, homemaker, and devoted church member. She was passionate about family, cooking, collecting memorabilia, and nurturing her faith. Following the loss of her son Kevin, she reaffirmed her faith and was baptized, remaining active in her church community for many years.
She was predeceased by her second husband, Donald Stephens; her son, Kevin Todd; two sisters, Hilliary Dunn and Marjorie Myrie; and her brother, Reginald Beckford.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Karen Banks; her grandchildren, Austin Weatherington, Alexandria Banks, and Victoria Banks; her sisters, Barbara Alexander-Pitter, Joy Hazel, Dorothy Logan, Yvonne Carroll-Mars, and Beverly Smith; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Her strength, warmth, and unwavering faith leave a legacy that will be forever cherished.
Family and friends whose lives were touched by Hope are invited to Miller Funeral Home, located at 3325 Winton Road South, Rochester, New York, for a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Service on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to share memories, grieve, and offer support to one another. The burial will be held at Maplewood Cemetery in Rochester, New York.