A Legacy Rooted in Faith and Family

Jlander Stevens Jr. was the fourth of five children born to the late Beverly N. Stevens-Stallings and the late Jlander Stevens Sr. He was honored to represent the fourth generation of his family born into the Church of God and Saints of Christ. In 1962, he was among the last male children to be blessed by the late Chief Evangelist J.W. Grant—an honor he carried with deep reverence. He was baptized by the late Evangelist James Rueben Grant Sr. and Deacon James Robert Murdock Sr., marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to faith. As a young man, he joined the Cleveland Tabernacle Local Choir, where his love for music blossomed. He graduated from East Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio in 1980, stepping into adulthood with conviction and character.

A Soldier’s Heart, A Worshipper’s Spirit

Jlander answered the call to serve by enlisting in the United States Army, where he served with distinction for 28 years, retiring as a Staff Sergeant. During his active-duty years, his spiritual journey deepened under the Watch Care Ministry of Greater Victory Temple Church of God in Christ in Seaside, California, under the leadership of the late Bishop W.W. Hamilton. It was there he found spiritual family in the Nash and Williams households. A man full of praise, Jlander’s love for music followed him throughout his military tenure. He sang in the 7th Army Soldiers’ Chorus, participated in the Walter Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar Workshop Choirs of Monterey and Oakland, and recorded with Greater Victory Temple’s Sanctuary Choir. His ministry grew deeper as he served in the Deaf Ministry at Center of Hope Community Church in Oakland, CA, under Bishop E.C. Reems, where he became a bridge of communication and compassion for the hearing-impaired.

The Helper: A Life of Ministry and Meaning

Upon being stationed in Hopewell, Virginia, Jlander returned to the Church of God and Saints of Christ under the leadership of the late Rabbi Levi Solomon Plummer. Immersing himself in the ministry, he served faithfully in the music department and was appointed Chorister (Cantor) in 2002 by Elder Harold Barnes. As Choir Superintendent and Tabernacle Treasurer for 5th Tabernacle, Elizabeth City, NC, he exemplified faithfulness and leadership. One of his greatest joys was hosting South African delegates during the Annual Passovers. It was during this time that his dear friend, Evangelist (now Rabbi) Howard Z. Dimpho Masenya, bestowed upon him the Zulu name “Msizi,” meaning “The Helper”—a name that echoed the very essence of his life. An academic achiever, he earned two MBA degrees (Summa Cum Laude) in Human Resource Management and Conflict & Negotiation Management from Touro International University. Whether playing strategy games or advocating for senior citizens, Jlander lived to serve. He was also a proud and distinguished member of the Prince Hall Free & Accepted Masons and associated Masonic bodies, holding multiple esteemed titles and lifelong memberships.

A Faith Renewed, A Life Remembered

On April 16, 2023, with a renewed heart, Jlander Stevens Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to the Church of God and Saints of Christ, standing proudly with the Joshua Generation under the pastoral leadership of Bishop C. L. Hendricks. On April 20, 2024 it was laid on Bishop C. L. Hendricks heart to appoint Bro. Jlander to another ministry of the Home and of Foreign Mission. He made a great impact in such a brief period of time. On June 5, 2025, he exchanged time for eternity and entered into his eternal rest, preceded in glory by his parents—Jlander Stevens Sr. and Beverly N. Stallings (Evangelist Enoch Stallings Jr.).

Those Who Remain: A Legacy of Love

Jlander leaves behind a host of loved ones to celebrate his life: his Godmother, Aunt Ruth Vernon; his best friend, Nicolas R. Graham; his brother, Bishop Lenton L. Stevens (Miriam); his sisters, Elder Juanita A. Hayes, Estelle Davis, and Rachon E. Moncrief. He is remembered with affection by his cousins Esther Nadine Edgerson and Evangelist J. Charles “Bubi” Williams; nephews Bishop C. L. Hendricks (Cheri), Joshua Stevens, and Tommie Davis Jr.; nieces Cheniqua Stevens, Jessica Hill, Terika Rodriguez (Enrique), and Deanna Stevens; along with 14 grand-nieces and nephews and 11 godchildren. His beloved Aunt Rachel Walker and countless cousins from every branch of the family cherish his memory. He also leaves behind his adopted family in California: The Nash Family (Deacon John L. Nash Sr. and LeNell, John Jr., Cecil, Karla, and Monique Hall), Elder William and Clara B. Williams (TX), and the Webb Family (Jeanette and Eugene Webb, MD). His extended circle of dear friends includes Rabbi Howard Z. Dimpho Masenya and Darryl W. Goodwin (Mxolisi).

The Final Benediction: A Life That Still Sings

A man of purpose, praise, and peace—Jlander “Msizi” Stevens Jr. was known for the joy he carried, the light in his smile, the laughter he shared, and the sweet, gentle spirit he left with everyone he met. His presence was both a gift and a ministry. Truly, we are better because we knew him—and we will miss him dearly.