Samuel Douglas Stevens

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Samuel Douglas Stevens was born to Alex James Stevens and Matilda Stevens. His father had a cherished tradition of giving all his children names from the Bible, and chose the name Samuel for him with great intention. Throughout his life he was known as Douglas. He was one of five siblings, and together they shared a close, loving bond. Growing up, Douglas enjoyed spending time with his sisters and brother.

Douglas was a man of great determination and heart. Whether it was lifting weights as a bodybuilder, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, or building his own office cleaning business; he gave his all to everything he did. True to his character, he brought his children along to help with his business, teaching them the value of hard work and responsibility.

On weekends, you could find Douglas outside his parents’ house on Edith Street, music playing as he washed and detailed his car with pride. He took that same pride in himself growing to his locs which became a part of his signature look as an act of defiance against expectations of what he should be.

What we’ll remember most is his joy and playful spirit. Uncle Douglas shared a special bond with his nieces and nephew; Paulette, Moneka, and LeDonta whom he cared for deeply. He created a loving, safe space where they could be themselves and reminded them that being different was something to be celebrated.

He loved to make people laugh, sometimes by mischievously pushing his mom’s buttons, listening loudly to music she did not approve of, then grinning to us kids before we all ran outside giggling. Douglas brought laughter, strength, and love into our lives. His warmth, kindness, wisdom, and humor will live on in our memories and the lessons he passed on.

Douglas is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Alex James Stevens and Matilda Stevens and his nephew LeDonta S. J. Jenkins.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his siblings Priscilla Stevens, James Michael Stevens, Janna Jenkins Cyrus, and Martha Watts; his sons Jamie Francisco Stevens and Samuel Mark Gutierrez; and Grandfather Meriah Gutierrez and a host of loving relatives and devoted friends.