Paul Darby Stevenage

Paul Darby Stevenage, lovingly known as "Savvy," passed away on March 1, 2024, in Durham, North Carolina. He was born on October 8, 1961, at Kingston Hospital, in London, England to the late Adrian Stevenage and Pamela Stevenage. He was truly a loving husband, Father, Step-Father, Son, Uncle and Friend.
As a child, Paul belonged to the local church and became an active member of The Boys Brigade, for many years, enjoying camping and gaining the Duke of Edinburg Award. Paul then grew up to have a distinguished career as a Civil Servant with the British Ministry of Defense, where his dedication and expertise left a lasting impact. In recognition of his dedicated service, Paul was honored by the Royal Family as a "Member of The British Empire" by the British Royal Family for his outstanding contributions with the Ministry of Defense worldwide. His commitment and passion for his work were unparalleled. In 1981, Paul joined the British Ministry of Defense Map section and worked his way up through the civilian ranks at Whitehall to gaining national recognition for his contributions to his country and the British Government. He participated in many interagency boards and meetings including with NATO, the United Kingdom and United States agencies throughout his career. In fact, he was asked to serve as the Chair for a critical committee for NATO and did so with excellence.
Paul was also known for his distinguished work with various charities and special causes while still living in England primarily to help those women and girls in need. Through the years, he sat on many charity boards helping to raise funding for the various organizations. Of important note, he served on the Board of Schools in England and was "hands-on" in setting policies and programs for providing safety and protecting children in the United Kingdom from childhood dangers including protection from child predators. In fact after moving to the US, he and his beloved wife Brenda were very involved in special causes together. In fact, together they helped buy prom dresses for underprivileged young girls and even helped pay for electric bills for elderly women who did not have the means to pay them. In fact, Paul was very generous and loving in the way that he helped Brenda's own mother after she became very ill. He was loving and kind to her and always willing to help her. He was also very instrumental in helping and mentoring Brenda's son Alexander after being wounded in battle and suffering from PTSD. Paul loved to help people through difficult and challenging circumstances.
His devoted, beloved wife of more than 17 years, Brenda, was the love of his life. And he was the love of her life. The day they were married, they started their marriage with laughter. They truly cherished being married to each other. Brenda said that she has never felt more loved in her life. They were madly in love with each other and he often told her that he fell in love with her from the moment that they first met. She cherished every moment that she was able to spend with him, and will always be assured that their love for each other was strong, unwavering and will always be there.
A favorite memory for his children is that he would often host dance parties in the kitchen, where his children grooved and danced with him. An avid supporter of the Chelsea Football Club, Paul found joy in cheering on his favorite team and attending his children's football games. He valued quality time with his extended family, particularly relishing moments spent cooking with his son John after being inspired by television cooking shows. Paul was renowned for his special Sunday Roast Dinners, a tradition that brought loved ones together around the table. But when he finished his jobs, they were perfect.
Paul was preceded in death by his father Adrian Stevenage, grandmother Dorothy Stevenage, and stepfather John. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Those surviving left to cherish his memory include his devoted, loving wife Brenda Stevenage; children, Nicola Stevenage and John Stevenage; his mother, Pamela Stevenage; step children, Darlene Kimberly Skidmore and William Alexander Byerly; sister Leila (Kim) and daughter Carrie-Ann and her father, Phil; sister, Penny and her sons, Thomas and Peter and their father, Andy; and Paul's cousin, Christine.
Rest in peace, Paul Darby Stevenage, your kindness, humor, and unwavering love for family will be deeply missed
The Stevenage Family has entrusted arrangements with Piedmont Cremation & Funeral Service.