Stephana Alece Childs Caviness, known lovingly as “Stephy,” was born on May 20, 1953, to Mamie Estelle (nee West) and Stephen Amzi Childs. Stephana departed this life on July 07, 2022, after a recurrent battle with metastatic breast cancer. She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings Donald, Stephen, Paul, and Winona; daughter Stephana Alece.

Stephana was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and received a catholic education until high school. She graduated from Shaw High School in 1971. She then went on to study Communications at Case Western Reserve University. Growing up, Stephana loved to have fun and often rode her bike, as fast as she could, with no hands! She enjoyed playing outside until the street lights came on. Her brother Michael, says she was one bossy girl. Although the younger sibling, Stephana was very protective of her brother Michael, even until adulthood.

Raised as a Catholic, Stephana was a member of St. Aloysius Church. She later joined The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church where she was a founding member of the GABC Praise Warriors. Most Sundays, you could find her assisting her son with the audio and video technology. As a Deaconess, and a member of the Social Development Committee, Stephana served with love and poured into church members in need of care.

In 2012, Stephana was elected to city council for Euclid, where she served as the Council person for Ward 1, until her death. During her appointment, she served as the Chair of both the Public Safety and Council Administrative Committees. Stephana regularly participated on various committees to ensure she was advocating for what was just. To say Stephana went above

and beyond for her residents to ensure their needs were met and policy was adhered to, is an understatement. She was a member of other notable groups, including the Women’s Political Action Committee. During her political tenure, she was the Council Liaison for the City of Cleveland under former Mayor Dennis Kucinich. She was also mentored by the late Arnold Pinkney. As one who cared for the well-being and education of others, Stephana worked in the field of social work and never hesitated to lend a hand to someone in need. Anger Management, Parenting, and Sex Education were topics she provided education on while working at Family Health of Beechbrook.

In January of 1982, Stephana married Theophilus Caviness Sr. and to this union four children were born. Strong ties with Dr. E. T. Caviness, and Theodosia ‘Jacki’ Tucker continued through the years. Stephana enjoyed spending time with Chupi, her yorkie/chihuahua mix that often behaved more like a human than a dog.

The talents of Stephana were multiple as fashion was a great interest of hers. As a teen and young adult, she modeled apparel for department stores. She believed in being well groomed and often wore heels. She wanted to be as close to six feet tall as she could. It was the beauty and love for fashion that led Stephana to earn the title of Miss East Cleveland in 1971. Stephana loved to make jewelry and costumes by hand. She was also an entrepreneur with her own talk show called “A Woman’s Point” which was part of the Busting Out Entertainment Company. Her talents for choreography were also seen in the Caviness Dance Ensemble which she led as a Director.

Stephana will be remembered for her full cheeks that connected to her beautiful smile and kind heart. Her laughter was infectious like a beautiful

song. She often helped others in need and loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren. Many days were spent shopping with her daughter Lana or hanging out with her grandchildren. Stephana was the epitome of selflessness. To know her was to love her and she was a great blessing to many!

She leaves to cherish her brother Michael; children Theophilus ‘Chip’ (Denise), Stephen (Daniella), and Theana ‘Lana,” stepson Roderic (Rhonda), four grandchildren, Theophilus ‘TJ’ III, Angelo, Ethan, and Stella, and many other close family, acquaintances and friends. Stephana will surely be missed.