It is with profound love, heartfelt gratitude, and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, family member, and friend, Retired Sergeant Major Timothy Stephens, who peacefully departed this life on July 19, 2026, at the age of 69.

Born in Gretna, Virginia, Timothy was a man of unwavering faith, integrity, compassion, and strength. From an early age, he demonstrated an extraordinary sense of duty and an enduring commitment to serving others, qualities that would define both his character and the legacy he leaves behind.

Timothy proudly served his country in the United States Army, faithfully dedicating more than two decades of honorable military service. Throughout his distinguished career, he earned numerous decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons in recognition of his exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and selfless service to the nation. Among his many prestigious assignments, he proudly served at the Kennedy Center, where he continued to exemplify excellence, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers. Upon his retirement, he achieved the esteemed rank of Sergeant Major, leaving behind a legacy of honor, courage, discipline, and sacrifice that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Following his military retirement, Timothy remained committed to serving others through his work as a security officer, dedicating many years to protecting those around him with the same diligence, integrity, and professionalism that characterized his military career. He took immense pride in his work ethic and in the reputation he earned through perseverance, loyalty, and dedication.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Timothy was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, a cherished brother, and a loyal friend. His greatest joy was found in the presence of his family. He possessed a quiet strength, a generous spirit, and a compassionate heart that brought comfort, wisdom, and encouragement to everyone blessed to know him. His warm smile, gentle nature, steadfast guidance, and unconditional love will forever remain treasured in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.

Timothy was preceded in death by his loving parents, Lucille Stephens and Percy Stephens; and his beloved brother, George Stephens.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory: his devoted and loving wife, Cynthia Stephens; his beloved sisters, Ernestine Boyce (Ramsey) and Drucilla Pritchett; his loving children, Jamie Stephens, Alecia Stephens (Casan), Canesia James, Melvin James IV (Ry), and Kami Johnson; his cherished eleven grandsons; five granddaughters; and five great grandchildren; his devoted friend, Nelson Hubbard; his beloved brother-in-law, Jethro White (Alice); his sisters-in-law, Louise Delane (James) and Rosa Taylor; as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, military brothers and sisters, and dear friends, all of whom will forever cherish his memory and celebrate the remarkable life he lived.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in the assurance that Timothy fought the good fight, finished his race with honor, and has entered into his eternal rest. His extraordinary legacy of faith, love, service, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to family and country will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched and in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23

Forever Loved. Forever Honored. Forever Remembered.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Monday, August 3, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Barry O. Brown, Sr., eulogist. The interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.