The Honorable Edward Lee Stevenson was born on November 26, 1932, in Bellevue, Ohio, to the late McKinley Sweetheart and Bernice Stevenson. Affectionately known throughout East Akron as “Fast Eddie,” it was a name that followed him with love for the rest of his life.

He attended East High School, where even as a young teenager, he carried himself with pride and purpose. In his early years, he helped his father sell fruits and vegetables. He also shined shoes and worked in a local laundry—early lessons that helped shape both his impeccable sense of style and his lifelong commitment to hard work. Though he never played organized sports, he was known as the fastest runner in East Akron, earning the nickname that would become part of his enduring legacy.

Edward had a gift for working with his hands and found joy in life’s simple, honest pleasures. He loved restoring cars, fishing, shooting pool with friends, building school projects with his grandchildren, playing cards with his nephews, and venturing into the woods during hunting season. He also enjoyed puzzles and could often be found sitting quietly, playing a game of solitaire. Above all else, he loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and the family he built and protected with unwavering devotion.

He was a proud and dedicated member of Masonic Lodge Hall Temple, achieving the distinguished rank of 32° Mason within the Bezalel Consistory. During his Masonic journey, he also designed an emblem and served in several esteemed roles, including Master of Phoenix Lodge No. 112, High Priest of Zerubbabel Chapter No. 36, and Past Thrice Illustrious Commander of Enoch Council.

Edward gave 32 years of faithful service to the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He further demonstrated his commitment to service by attending Medic School in Germany, serving as a medic, and honorably serving his country as a Drill Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War. He served actively for two and a half years before completing his duty in the reserves, carrying that same discipline, courage, and leadership into every chapter of his life.

Edward was also a devoted member of Zion Temple Baptist Church, where he served in many ministries. His faithfulness, both within and beyond the church, stood as a testament to a man truly aligned with God’s will.

He was preceded in death by his parents McKinley Sweetheart and Bernice Stevenson; his siblings, William Michael Stevenson, Willie Lee Powers, Geraldine Landis, Charles Lee Stevenson, Olive Mabel Lunnas, Oliver Tom Stevenson, Joyce Virginia Patterson, Gloria Jean Knight, Althea Elaine Riggins, Sally Helen Portis, Anna Carol King, Bodie Wine Stevenson, and Lola Arinthea Stevenson—he being the last surviving among them; his son, Thomas Stevenson; and his lifelong best friend, Charles Eaves.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved and devoted wife of 40 years, Annie Clara Stevenson; his daughters, Ernestine (Vondy) Stevenson and Charisse Mayfield; his grandchildren, Damion (Stacy) Stevenson Sr., Donte Stevenson, DaVonne Mosley, Ashely Mayfield, Ta’Marcus (Desiree) Mayfield Sr., and Trayshawn Mayfield Sr., Greg Keith Stevenson, Ricardo Stevenson, Antonio Stevenson; special niece, Gwendolyn Hill; in-laws, Annie Johnson, Dorothy Taylor, and James Portis; along with a beautiful legacy of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, each carrying a piece of his spirit forward. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who loved him deeply. Edward lived a life marked by faith, dignity, discipline, humor, and heart. He moved with strength, spoke with wisdom earned through experience, and loved with a loyalty that never wavered. To know him was to witness a man who honored his commitments, protected his family, and walked through this world with purpose and pride.

His legacy is not only in the years he lived, but in the lives he shaped—and in the generations who will continue to rise because he stood tall.