Our beloved Vincent Stephens passed away on March 21, 2023, at the age of 60. Though his life was shorter than we wanted, his life was nothing small. It was bigger than life, loving, generous, and could fill up an entire room.
Vince was born on March 25, 1962, in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated from Glenville High School, where he excelled in football and track. He attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island where he continued his football and track career ultimately leading him to a brief stint in the NFL. Upon his return to Cleveland, he began his work as an engineer. During that time, he also received what he would say was one of the greatest gifts of his life, meeting his wife of 37 years,Veronica.
Vince LOVED Veronica. He knew from the moment they met that he wanted to be with her forever. Even up until his last moments on earth, it was so evident that he adored her. She was his #1, and he couldn’t go more than five minutes without talking about her or calling her if he wasn’t right beside her. He loved spending time with her, whether it was going for long walks, cooking together or just watching a good movie. He loved to make her laugh. He was her biggest encourager.
While his love and devotion to his wife was so obvious, Vince’s love and devotion to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was even more important to him. Vince was a faithful servant of the Lord, telling everyone he encountered about the hope that could be found in Jesus, and he did that consistently through the blessing of his business, Axiom. He would build relationships and love others to Jesus. If you spent time with him, you’d hear him share the good news; you’d hear how much God had changed his life. Vince didn’t let his hard times or suffering bring him down. He would glorify God through them. He didn’t let his past failures or mistakes define him. He was defined as a child of God, and he boldly proclaimed that to all who would listen. Countless lives have been changed because the gospel was always on his lips.
Vince was everything to his four boys. He fought for relationships with his sons, with love and constant support. You could find him on his knees praying for them. He loved them and was so proud of them. He was so open and transparent with them. He taught them everything he could: the good, the bad, the ugly. He coached them and was their biggest fan in all the many sports they played, but would remind them even in their successes, “Jesus is better than any NFL contract you could ever sign.” They are all a reflection of their dad that will live on as they honor him with their lives. They hope to become even more like him, and to love as deeply as he did.
Vince was known for his generous spirit and his ability to make everyone around him feel loved and valued. He had a contagious smile and a great sense of humor that could light up a room. He brought joy and laughter into the lives of everyone he met, and his kindness and compassion touched the hearts of so many. In the words of his son Vince Junior, “any story anyone has about my dad is going to be a funny story ‘cause that is who my dad was.”
He will be remembered as a Christ-follower, a loving husband, a dedicated dad, an adoring Pop Pop, a devoted brother, and a true friend to all who knew him. Though we are deeply saddened by his passing, we know exactly where Vince is: in his favorite place, worshipping his Savior with arms lifted high. He now sees with perfect clarity what we see dimly. He sees his Jesus face to face. Vince didn’t fear the future because he trusted the One who holds the future. We look forward to the day that we can worship beside him again. Until then, his memory will live on in our hearts forever.
Vince is survived by his wife, Veronica. His son Vincent Stephens Jr. and his wife Tracy. Grandchildren Adrian Stephens, Maya Stephens, and Camille Stephens. Grandchildren Tyrell Kidd and Davon Kidd. His son Brandon Stephens and his wife Brittany. Grandchildren Bryson Stephens and Avianna Stephens. Grandchildren Paris Whyte and Roman Whyte. His son Justin Stephens. His son Dorian Stephens. His sister Loretta Johnson and her husband Charles. His sister Jeanette Phillips and her husband Emery. His brother Rodney Stephens and his wife Katrina. His sister Yvette Stephens. He was blessed with his bonus brother of forty-eight years, Derrick Fellows and his wife Donna. He has a host of nieces and nephews.
We invite you to celebrate Vince’s life with us on Thursday, March 30th at 2pm in the afternoon at Grace Church North Overland Park 10300 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS 66212.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Freedom Fire Church a Christian missions organization dedicated to the advancement of God’s Kingdom and love in the urban core of Kansas City. You can donate using this following link: https://rock.visitgracechurch.com/page/470?GroupId=174107
Veronica and Family: After I met Vince, I walked away thinking that I just met one of the nicest persons that I have ever encountered! I am certain that anyone that knew him will recall his strong example and stature when needing guidance. RIP Vince!!! Bill Brosseau
To Rod & Kay, and the rest of the Stephens family, you have my condolence. Though I never met Vince, just reading his obituary, I know he was a great person. May his legacy live through those he loved.
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Uncle V will be missed dearly. I will cherish all the memories of visiting him and the family in Strongsville every weekend. Prayers to his family.
I knew Vince thru my Uncle “D” Derrick Fellows. I was a very young kid running around playing when I met him for the first time. I remember him coming over to my Grandma Fellows home to visit my uncle. He and my Uncle would laugh for hours 🙂 Vince will be dearly missed. Fly High Vince.
My most sincere condolences to the family! His compassionate nature will surely be missed.
Sending an abundance of love and praying for the Lord’s presence to be known. May you all feel the halo if your Beloved like at lamp at your feet.
I am truly grateful for Uncle V and the example he set for the family. Speaking love and life into everyone while keeping God at the forefront of it all. I will truly miss him. 🙏🏽🙏🏽 my love and prayers are with you Auntie Ronnie, VJ, Brandon, Justin and Dorian. May God give you all the peace that surpasses all understanding 💕
I just want to say I love you guys and I appreciate you allowing us to know your dad as our uncle and to share time with your family growing up. Uncle V is awesome and he rocks even more after reading this. Aunty Veronica I love you ❤️. May God continue to give comfort and peace, in abundance forever, to each of you. Amen.
To the family of Vincent Stephens. My sincere condolences are extended to each of you. I pray that God grant you comfort and peace during this sorrow filled time. I did not know brother Vince, but I do know his beautiful sister Jeanette Phillips who frequently shared about her wonderful brother and best friend. Indeed, I know from her heart-filled expressions that he was a gift from God, glorious witness and servant. To God be the Glory for the gift of a wonderful Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Friend and Man of God!
Prayers to the family during this difficult time. I pray that the power of the love of God fills your hearts and give you peace that passes all understanding.
Respect for a former teammate and friend. R.I.H Tarbrother
Thank you Vince and my Stephens’ sisters and brother (Loretta, Jeanette, Yvette, and Rodney) for allowing me to be a part of your family since I was 12 years old back in 1974. Never knew a chance encounter at FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT JR HIGH SCHOOL (FDR) would lead to a 49 year old in separable friendship and some awesome memories. Just so thankful V found a great wife such as Veronica to bring forth a great family so that my wife Donna of 41 years could still continue our friendship as family men together. There’s so much I could say about V. But I just want to say I’m thankful to God for allowing me to meet a great friend that I’ll remember forever.
Veronica (Tweet), I am just now hearing of your loss of Vince. Please accept my deepest condolences from me and the entire Kinton family. Please know that you, the boys, and your entire family are in our prayers.