J. D. "Steve" Stephenson

J. D. "Steve" Stephenson, TSgt, USAF (Retired)

J. D. "Steve" Stephenson, age 90, of Vancleave, MS, passed away peacefully at Truewood in Ocean Springs, MS on Friday, May 30 th , 2025. Steve was born on April 20, 1935, in Booneville, MS, to James Dudley and Emmie Pearl (Champion) Stephenson.

A proud veteran, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in April 1952, at the young age of 17, having attended Burnsville High School. He dedicated over 20 years of his life to serving his nation, retiring in August 1972 with the rank of Technical Sergeant. His distinguished service took him across the United States and around the globe, with assignments in Texas, Washington, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Canada, Japan, and Korea. He served with honor and pride.

On September 15, 1956, Steve married the love of his life, Eunice Edwina Havens, daughter of John Pliney and Eunice Victoria (Holden) Havens, in Vancleave, MS. Their enduring love story spanned over 68 years and was a shining example for all to see.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Steve enjoyed a year off dedicated to his family, home, and passions for hunting and fishing. Because he wanted to keep his family in his adopted, and wife’s ancestral home, of Vancleave, in May of 1973 he embarked on a second career with Jackson County, working in the Road Maintenance Division at the Beat 5 Maintenance Barn. He began by simply driving a dump truck but was soon operating larger and more complex heavy equipment like road graders and bush hogs all over Beat 5. While serving the people of his home area he got to meet and get to know many of them very well. Soon, due to his management and supervision skills, he was selected to manage and direct the maintenance crews that he was once a part of. He served the county in these capacities for over twenty years and then retired for a second time.

Steve was a devoted member of Red Hill Methodist Church in Vancleave for over 68 years. He actively participated in the church community, serving in various elected board positions and volunteering as an Adult Sunday School Teacher and Church Song Leader. It was a rare day that he and his family were not present for Sunday service. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Edwina; his two sons: Jonathon Dudley “Steve” (Madeline) Stephenson of Vancleave, MS, and their daughter Wendi Beason (Mike) and sons Gavin and Griffen, Hudsen, of San Antonio TX; and COL Victor Havens (Mary Beth) Stephenson of Springfield, VA and their sons, CPT James David Stephenson of Fort Lewis, WA and Brian Miller Stephenson of Springfield, VA.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, James Dudley and Emmie Pearl Stephenson, four brothers: Hilton (Lois), Gordon (Lucy), Kenneth (Oma), and Earl (Peggy), and two sisters: Syble (James) Creasy and Sadie (Nate) Stowell.

A funeral service will be held at Red Hill Methodist Church, Vancleave, MS, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Public visitation will begin at 11:00am and funeral services will begin at noon on Saturday, June 7 th , 2025. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to the Red Hill Methodist Church Building Fund or Cemetery Fund in Steve’s memory. You may make these donations by mailing to Red Hill Methodist Church, 19011 Old River Rd, Vancleave, MS 39565 or by Zelle to 703- 725-4174.

The family wants to especially thank the staff of Truewood by Merrill (Ocean Springs) and Singing River Hospice of Light for the exceptional care provided to Steve.

We find comfort in knowing that Steve’s legacy of service, love, and dedication lives on through the example he set, the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories that will forever be cherished by his family and friends.

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