Mr. Michael J. "Mike" Stephens

Mr. Michael James Stephens, affectionately known as Mike or "Dumptruck" to those closest to him, entered into eternal rest on May 21, 2025, at his residence in Chesterfield, VA. Born in Emporia, VA on April 15, 1963, for much of his young life, Michael was raised by his father and paternal grandparents on a small family farm.
Michael graduated as valedictorian of his class from Greensville County High School in 1981. He continued his educational excellence at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1985, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, Magna Cum Laude in 1990. During his undergraduate years, Michael pledged to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Phi Delta Chapter and was a highly valued and esteemed member of his brotherhood.
Michael devoted his career to the field of pharmacy, serving his community as a pharmacist for 21 years at CVS and later at VCU Health System until his recent retirement in April 2025. He was a dedicated servant to the health and wellbeing of his community, widely respected for his wisdom, knowledge, and generosity. Michael was also a member of the Saint Paul's Baptist Church and regularly attended his Sunday bible study group. He was devoted to his faith and strongly believed in the power of prayer. For example, he started every day with silent reflection in the sunroom of his home; led group prayers during special family gatherings before meals; and asked those who also believed in spiritual healing to help ease any of his pains and the pain of everyone he cared for.
Michael met his beloved wife, Katrina Lynn Stephens, (née Hall), during her first year at VCU in January 1986 and were married in September 1991. They resided together in and near Richmond ever since and welcomed their first daughter, Christina Alexandra Stephens, in 1994 and their second daughter, Mikaela Danielle Stephens, in 1997. They also raised two adored family dogs, Koda and Jabar, and their first pet, a cat named Ollie.
Michael was joyful, intelligent, and strong-willed. He thrived in the limelight, and many remember how much he loved to dance and be the center of the room. A regular jokester, it was impossible to stay mad at Mike Stephens for very long. He was a sharp, competitive card player, and an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed fishing with his daughters and friends. Michael himself was a lifelong athlete, first taking up swimming in his community pool in Emporia, playing pickup basketball games with the guys at his local gym and later completing several half and full marathons and triathlons with his wife. He pursued long-distance cycling which helped fundraise for MS research – combining his passions with purpose.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm Stephens and Mary Ruffin Stephens; his mother and father-in-law Lee and Ruth Hall; and brother-in-law Edwin Hall.
Michael is survived by his wife, Katrina; and his children, Christina Ponzoni (Luca) and Mikaela Dwyer (Nomuunbat). He leaves behind a cherished circle of loved ones, including his in-laws, Wanda Jones (Steve), Dawn Hall, Venetia Smith (Michael), Lee Hall Jr., and Kenneth Hall (Gina), as well as the extended Stephens, Stevens and Ruffin families. His memory is also celebrated by his beloved line brothers, Michael Beamon, Steve Wilson, Jerome Johnson, and Terry Brantley and their families; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews - by blood and by choice; and close friends including the Dodson and McNeil families who continue to rejoice in his life and legacy.
Michael had a bright and colorful personality. His playful humor and expressiveness would fill rooms with joy and laughter. He wanted his free time to be filled with fun family occasions, outdoor activities, and celebrations of life-- especially if it involved dancing! He would want nothing more than for his family and friends to think of this homegoing as a party with fond memories of Michael in their hearts.
If you would like to make a donation in Michael's honor, rather than flowers, please use this link to the Virginia Pharmacy Association and follow the instructions for making a memorial contribution: https://virginiapharmacists.org/foundation/contribute/
A viewing will be on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment – Petersburg, Va. from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.
Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Michael J. Stephens will be conducted on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 1:00pm at the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church of God In Christ, 233 Halifax St. Petersburg, Virginia 23803, Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Pastor, Officiant, and Bro. Jerome Johnson, Eulogist, Grace Christian Church, Inc. Dumfries, Virginia. Repast will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.
Everyone is encouraged to incorporate accents of purple, Mike's favorite color, with your funeral attire.
The family is requesting that relatives assemble at the residence on the day of service at 11:45 a.m. Friends and active pallbearers are asked to assemble at the church at 12:45 p.m.
/ Service may be viewed by Live Stream at/https://www.jldodsonandsons.com/LiveStream http://www.facebook.com/jldodsonandsons
Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of the J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment 25824 Greensville Avenue Petersburg Virginia 23803 (804) 732-5959 and (804)834-3330. Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., and Mr. Ricky Montgomery Funeral Directors. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com "Our Family Servicing Your Family"