Gerald Stephens, Sr. was born on January 4, 1943 in Cleveland Ohio to John Robert and Mary Stephens.  He was the last of a family of six sisters and two brothers to cross over into the gates of heaven.

Gerald was a simple man that only made it through the 8th grade before leaving school. Even though he did not complete his education, he learned other skills that helped him and his family. His father, John Robert, was a person that worked with his hands and taught his son how to be a carpenter and plumber. He would also take him hunting as a child.

Gerald had been married twice. During his first marriage to Charlene Love, his first son, Gerald Stephens, Jr. was born on March 3, 1960.  He later remarried on August 15, 1964 to his second wife, Marilyn Warren. Through this union his second son, Andre Lamont Stephens, was born on January 3, 1966.  Gerald worked in many different professions such as being a machinist, construction, worked in sales, vending and entertaining, but none seemed to fit what he was most passionate about which was carpentry and cooking. He created his own business named Gerald Stephens and Sons Creative Construction & Design. He wanted to pass the company down to his sons so they could continue the legacy of his passion of working with his hands and being a creator.

He had knowledge of most everything dealing with home repair and remodeling. His other passion for people that knew him best was talking. It amazed his family just how many people he has touched though out his life. He could talk for hours, call someone else and talk to them for hours as well. He would remain married to Marilyn Warren Stephens until her passing on January 31, 2018. After the death of his wife of 54 years, he seemed to have lost a bit of himself. However, he still had time to become a mentor to young souls that needed a father figure in their lives. In most cases, Gerald was the father figure or grandfather figure they never had. Up until he had lost the ability to communicate, he always had time to help guide them and show them that someone cared and that they matter. Gerald does not want people to mourn him, he would rather they remember all the conversations, laughter, and emotional bonding that was he able to give.

He was father to the fatherless and the defender of widows and the elderly. He had accepted Christ during his lifetime

Gerald Stephens Sr., age 80, went to eternal rest on June 3, 2023

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Robert and Mary Stephens, his wife, Marilyn Warren Stephens, sisters, Louise Brown, Helen Spears, Frieda Smith, Gladys Wesson-Strickland, Jeanette Garrett, Barbara Huff and brothers, Booker Stephens and Robert Stephens.

Gerald is survived by sons Gerald Stephens, Jr; of Cleveland, Andre Stephens (Karin) of Twinsburg, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.