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Joel Stephens Obituary

Joel Jeffrey Stephens, 16, of Richmond, died suddenly on September 25, 2003. He is survived by his father, Edward McGill Stephens, and mother, Laura Johnston Stephens, his brother, Paul Edward Stephens; maternal grandparents, the Rev. Robert O. Johnston and Josephine Johnston, many aunts, uncles and cousins. Joel proudly attended John Marshall High School where he was a member of the Junior Class. He loved sports of all kinds. His remains rest at the Bliley Funeral Homes’ Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Ave., where the family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1214 Wilmer Ave. Interment church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joel Jeffrey Stephens Scholarship Fund for John Marshall High School, c/o Main Street Realty, 1559 E. Main St., Richmond, Va. 23219.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Sep. 28, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Joel Stephens

Not sure what to say?





Derek Carter

October 11, 2003

Mrs. Stephens and Family;



I had the pleasure of playing baseball with Joel over the past summers at Chamberlayne-Laburnum. He was a fine young man and a great team-mate. My heart and prayers are with you during this difficult time.



Derek Carter

Chamberlayne-Laburnum

Babe Ruth-White Soxs

Maurice Smith Jr.

October 6, 2003

I went with Joel to elementary school through 6th grade in Sussex County a couple of years ago and then he moved to Richmond. He will always be my friend in my heart. I will never forget him. The last thing he said to me before he moved to Richmond was to keep working and striving hard to be the best that I can be. I will always remember him through the rest of my high school career and into college.





Your Friend Forever,



Maurice Smith Jr.

Jamil Ramsey

October 4, 2003

Well First to the parents:



My blessings goes out to yall....May God bless yall and you others...



To Joel:



Man I feel like it was yesterday I was talking to you about Quincy Carter starting and how Raidered not listening to you to let me back on the site....you told me that moment you knew that Quincy Carter was going to start and be a good Quarterback for the team. I talk to your mother today and I thought she was you trying to stall me from getting mad at the owner on the site....she was very com about everything I was saying to her. I didn't really believe her that you was gone...you tought me 1 thing about life "Never take your life for granted" everyday is not meant for some people....I know God have you in his arms... Really I never this upset about a person I didn't know personally, but threw the conversation I felt that I knew you like a little brother....It really hurts to hear that you are gone, I guest because im use to talking to ya about the dallas cowboys and sometimes personal stuff I won't feel the same anymore since you are gone... You were the only one I could really talk about the Cowboys with and reminese off of the winz that they have gotten. You was a real friend to talk to....Much luv



Jamil aka Johnny aka Godfather



I holla back at you when I get there....

Ken Cooper Sr

October 2, 2003

I saw the article in the Free Press today and felt I had to write this. My family and I would like express sympathy to the Stephens family. My son, "Coop" was the captain of Jayem's baseball team in 2003 and a team mate of Joel's. My wife and I met Joel and his Mom while attending the various Jayem baseball games. Joel was tough and tried very hard. Although we only knew him for a short while he will live long in our memories.

Bryan Willey

October 1, 2003

To the Family and Friends of Joel:



I just wanted to say I will truly miss Joel. He was a kid wise beyond his years. I will miss having him in my Fantasy sports leagues. I will also miss his input at Cowboysguide.com. He was a great sport and truly impressed me with his wisdom.

Jacob Estrada

September 30, 2003

A prince has died. May God bless and watch over you with Joel at his side.

David Klink

September 30, 2003

To the Stephens family--



I'm truly sorry for your loss. Words can never truly say what the loss of a loved one feels like, but know that he'll be at peace for all time.



Now he'll be with God watching his beloved Cowboys through the roof of Texas Stadium.



Rest in Peace, Joel.

Eric E.

September 30, 2003

Condolences to Joel's family. I never actually met Joel, except through the CowboysGuide.com website. He was a true 'Boys fan! I am very sorry for your loss...

david hill

September 29, 2003

joel was a member of the cowboysguide.com and even tho i never met him, he was family. my thoughts/prayers and heart go out to his family and love ones. may god bless u in your time of need.

Samuel Gibson

September 29, 2003

To the Parents of Joel,

I just wanted to take the time out to tell you that all though I have never met Joel we had many wonderful conversations about our beloved team the Cowboys. All of us on cowboysguide.com will miss him greatly. He was a true fan of not only the Cowboys but of the game of football. His deamonor and attitude was always upbeat and positive. He will always be one of my favorite opinion givers on the site. I for one will miss the young man very much.



My prayers are with you.

John Thombs

September 29, 2003

To Joel's Family

My heart was saddened at the passing of Joel. I wanted to stop an cry but all I could think of were

the good times I spent with Joel as his coach. Playing Middle School Baseball is no simple task and yet Joel in his youth took the charge that carried us to 2 straight city championships. He became my cleanup

hitter . He told me one day that he didn't want to be the cleanup because the pitchers were throwing at him . I told Joel that if he went to that plate ready to hit whatever was thrown he'd stop them.

That game he had 2 homeruns , a triple and a double.From then on he led the team. The players on this team looked to him for leadership and he delivered. I will miss him and every player that comes through Thomas H. Henderson will know his story.



John W. Thombs

Baseball Coach Henderson Middle School.

Grant Chambless

September 29, 2003

Joel,



You and your family are in our prayers. Much love to you always. GOD will bless you and your loved ones...and we all will see you again, someday. GOD Bless you.

mark lenz

September 29, 2003

Joel will be missed by all of us on cowboysguide.com he was a good kid who was very well mannered and very insightful he brought alot to us on that website and I just wanted everyone to know how much he was appreciated and how much he will be missed. Mark Lenz (sdcowboy)

LiMajor Pittman

September 29, 2003

I went 2 Joel's funeral 2day and now i really know how much Joel effected us. In school, community, and family. Im sorry that a good person had 2 leave but the Lord felt his work was done. I give my deepest condolences to the family and will keep you in my prayers.



To Joel:

How bout them Cowboys Sunday?

Gail Fitchett

September 28, 2003

To: The Stephens Family



I was deeply saddened to hear of Joel's passing. He was a fine young man who was admired by all of us at JM. We will miss him. You have my sincere condolence and I will keep you in my prayers.



God Be With You,

Gail Fitchett

Gwen Oliver

September 28, 2003

I am sorry to here about your lost. The Thomas H. Henderson Family will always remember Joey and keep your family in our prayers.

Aaron Brower

September 28, 2003

In words of a good friend of mine Joel " how bout them cowboys"



To the family: Im sorry 4 ur lost and we will all miss him



To Joel: See U When I Get There

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