Deacon Robert Julius Stone Jr.

Life and Legacy of Deacon Robert Julius Stone, Jr.

Robert Julius Stone, Jr., was born November 23, 1931 to Robert J. Stone, Sr. and Tempie (Hardy) Stone in Toronto, OH. He was the youngest of five children. He graduated from Toronto High School.

Robert moved to Smithfield, Ohio, where he met and married Greta High. They were married for sixty-four years. In 1954, Robert and Greta were blessed with the birth of their only child, Robert IV, affectionately known as Robbi. With heavy hearts, they witnessed his death from cancer in 1992. Nonetheless, there is peace in knowing that mom and dad are reunited with him.

In 1955, Bob moved his family to Cleveland, Oio. In 1962, he joined Olivet under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Odie M. Hoover. After Reverend Hoover's demise, Reverend Otis Moss., Jr. was invited to preach at Olivet. Bob, Greta and Earlie Golden were privileged to pick him up from the airport. Indeed, a warm and enduring relationship evolved; so much so that when the Stones later moved to Pittsburgh and Steubenville, they chose to be under Watch Care membership. To this end, they returned every first Sunday to Olivet, their home church, over their twenty-one year absence from Cleveland.

After moving back to Cleveland, membership continued under Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. who appointed Robert Stone as a Deacon at Olivet, and later a Deacon Emeritus under his continuous service with current pastor, Reverend Dr. Jawanza Karriem Colvin.

Deacon Stone was a long-time member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. He also served for a few years on the Trustee Board under the pastorate of Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. and Reverend Dr. Jawanza Karriem Colvin. He had a passion for cooking and baking. He would make his famous Lemon Pound Cake and German Chocolate cake for members of Olivet and special occasions.

Deacon Stone led a life of giving and serving. He had several businesses, Stone's Personal Care Facility, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bob's Seafood Restaurant in Steubenville, Ohio, just to name a few. He was a driver for the Amish community.

In July 2019, Robert and Gail Peterson were married, joining one another in holy matrimony. Their life together was accompanied by Gail's son, Tori, with whom they shared their family home.

Deacon Robert Julius Stone, Jr. transitioned on January 3rd at Jennings Assisted Living Facility.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert J. and Tempie (Hardy) Stone, Sr., His first wife, Greta (High) Stone, their son Robert J. Stone (Robbi), four siblings: George Stone, Marion Lofton, Mildred Stone, and Barbara Stone Barclay.

He leaves to mourn his passing, wife, Gail Peterson-Stone, her son Tori Peterson, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

With all our LOVE, the Family