Mr. Morris Stephens

Morris Kenner Stephens was born in Chicago, IL on April 2, 1960, to the union of Loucious and Juanita Stephens. He attended Englewood High School on Chicago’s south side where he graduated in 1978. After high school, Morris obtained certificates in several trades, including electrical, carpentry, and plumbing. Morris went on to have a son, Martell, and later married the love his life, Gloria Stephens. Morris and Gloria shared 20 years filled with memories, laughter, and loyal love. Morris was affectionately known to his family and friends as ‘Kenny’ and ‘Kenny Mack’, and to his grandchildren as ‘PaPa’. As a youth, he was known to swim like a fish, make the best homemade waffles, and always kept his family uplifted with corny jokes. His affinity for mayonnaise was WELL KNOWN. Morris was a man of great integrity and his loyalty was legendary – he always stood by his word. In his earlier years, he was heavily into body building and boxing, and often resembled a “comic book hero”. His charisma and humble disposition would often make those around him forget about his toughness and great strength. An impromptu night at the Stephens’ could mean Morris on the grill, throwing darts or playing chess in the garage, or enjoying an adult beverage. Morris was also known as a ‘gentle giant’, and his willingness to care for his ailing wife, being just a phone call away to assist family and friends, and stepping into the role as a father to those who needed him were testaments to his kind and caring nature. Morris was a man of many talents. His hobbies included fishing, bowling, shooting pool, softball, ceramics, tinkering around in his garage, and stepping on the dance floor, etc. etc. He was a skilled, professional contractor who could fix anything with even the crudest of implements, including duct tape and Gorilla glue. Morris fell asleep in death on December 3, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Gloria Stephens, parents Loucious and Juanita Stephens, his loving grandparents, Joseph and Gussie Morris, and his caring aunt, Corean Denman. He leaves to cherish his memory: Son Martell (Keyawonia) White, daughters Courtney and Ashley Stephens, sister Adrienne (Victor) Wells, cousin Tina (Greg) Little, step- children Leslie Woods, Lisa Woods, Trevoy Woods, Candence ‘Candy’ Woods, Jason Woods, Tiffony Morgan and Fonda Morgan III, best friends Marc Carter, Sr., Stanley Herbert, John Slaton, his grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.

Tributes

Mr. Morris Stephens

April 2, 1960 - December 2, 2022