Joseph Stephens Obituary

I will never forget the spiritual leadership that Joe and Rita gave to a group of us each week. This sweet family remains constantly on my mind and hearts for the loss of this strong spiritual head of the household. If this world had more like him....

We will never forget you. It is an honor to have been called your friend. Ret Lt Doug Hester NCPD

Yes, I remember Joe quite well. I believe it was his distinct voice and the positive things he would say. But his true legacy was his profound faith in Christ Jesus. He had a job here and that was being a police officer, however, his purpose of which he was even more defined was his witness. He never shied away from telling you about the ONE who made the biggest difference in his life. One year and yes it's sad still that we don't get to talk to him but as the singer Bart from Mercy Me wrote, I Can Only Imagine.

It was with great pleasure I served with Joe on a three member team in the proverbial "South Zone" that included Ric Keys. We had a blast. Joe made law enforcement fun. His relationship with Jesus was always in the forefront. I will never forget his raspy voice and his challenges to be your best. We have truly lost a fearless warrior.
Ret. Lt. Doug Hester NCPD

I was so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We went to high school and church together as young teens. I have read so many kind thoughts about him today. He was that same kind, giving, and loving young man when I knew him then. I am so proud to have known him and was so happy to see him again at our high school reunion last summer!

Rita
We want you to know how sorry we are to hear of joe's passing. We are thinking of you and the girls and will keep you in our prayers.
Hugs
Paul and Cheryl

Rita and Family, Joe was a dear friend, true to his word, lived his Faith in our Lord, made the city of North Charleston a place to live in peace and harmony through his special way with words and actions and integrity. He will be greatly missed by all. My condolences and Prayers. Charlotte

I had the privilege and honor to work at City Hall and got to know Capt Stephens quite well. He's was a wonderful person. Always there if you needed anything. He will be missed beyond words. Rest In Peace Captain Stephens. My deepest Condolences to his wife and daughters.

A good man taken from us way too soon. You will be missed by all and you will never be forgotten.

I was driving down I-26 today when I saw the news on a billboard. I couldn't believe it was true. Captain Stephens was a great man! We attended NewSpring Church in North Charleston together. He and his lovely wife, Rita, welcomed me with open arms to the Greetings team when we were located at the North Charleston Convention Center. We shared an unique bound because we were both bald and Rita was from my hometown of Irmo. You will dearly be missed.

Rita and children, may God continue to bring comfort into your lives during this time. May you be reminded that though your husband / father's body is being laid to rest, his spirit is no longer there because it lives on in you. Find comfort in spending time with family and friends as you share stories / memories, shed some tears and laughter, and celebrate the life of an awesome man!

Joe was one of the nicest, most caring individuals I have ever met. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Please accept my sincere condolences. Joe was a very special man and will be missed dearly. Sending much love to the family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Rita, my heart truly goes out to you and Keely. My heart is heavy for your loss. You and Joe where a big part of my life for many years and when I think of those days all I can do is smile. Please except my deepest sympathy.

I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I can truly say he inspired me to be a better Christian. I loved our Sunday morning chats while greeting and am in total shock to here this news. Please know I am praying for you guys and hoping Joe's legacy is one for all his friends, co-workers and anyone who knew him will try to be as awesome as he was.

I,am sorry for your lost may God will always be there went you need Him.my prays go out to your family.

To the Family of Joseph I. Stephens Jr.,
Through the brief times that I came into contact with Joe at North Charleston City Hall, I learned how spiritually strong he is. After the passing of my wife, I saw Joe at work and he asked me how I was doing. I said "just taking it one day at a time". Joe said " No, take it one moment at a time. And we will continue to pray for you at Church". Joe was and still is a true friend.
My true heart felt condolences go out to the Family of Mr. Joseph I. Stephens, Jr. He will truly be missed.

We are deeply sorry for your loss, your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
May God Bless and Strengthen you.

Dear Karrie, Rhonda, Wesley and family,

So sorry to hear of the passing of Joseph. He was a fine man who I admired through the years. He was always kind and friendly, as was your father during my visits to SC to visit my family. You guys were always so welcoming. As a fellow Law enforcement, I'm very grateful for his service to our country and his community. May you Rest in Peace Brother!

Fondly, Rich and Linda Dugan

Rita, Keeley & Shala, We were so sad to hear of Joe's passing. God has gained another Angel to sit beside him and watch over all of you. Please know that you are in out thoughts & prayers. Payers for peace & understanding during this difficult time.
With Love, Ronnie & Sally, Justin, Kim & Luke., Ashley & Dalton., Kaci & Redden.

I am Shorty and Rosie Haas's Daughter Im so sorry for your loss our Thoughts and Prayers are with You in such a difficult time. Always Kelley

Many years ago, I had written a letter to the alcohol licensing bureau in Columbia asking that a certain undesirable store where teenagers hung out not be granted a license to sell alcohol. I got a threatening nasty letter from them saying that if I signed up to speak against the license and did not show up, I would be subject to a heavy fine and even more. I was astonished, but determined to follow through.
Joe, whom I knew was a policeman, called me, offered to take me to Columbia, stay with me during the ordeal and bring me safely home. HE IS MY HERO! I have loved him as my special friend since that time. The store closed, I did not have to go to Columbia. Joe had integrity, courage and a caring nature. He was an example of what our police personnel in North Charleston should be. He spoke about his wonderful daughters lovingly. I shall miss him the rest of my life. I, too, lost my father when I was 12 years old. I know how it feels to lose your father suddenly. Rita, my thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Gayle Frampton, President, N. E. Park Circle Civic Club

Mrs. Rita, Keeley and Shala, I have been praying for you all since I heard. I'm so sorry your hearts are breaking. Mr. Joe was an amazing man. His smile and his love for Jesus was contagious. I pray for peace that passes all understanding and comfort that only Jesus can give.

Joe I can hardly believe that God has called you home but heaven has definitely received an Angel! It was such a pleasure to speak with you at our class reunion and reminisce about our days at R.B.Stall High and to know that we both shared the same profession(Palm Beach County Fla Sheriff's Office. (Retired 2012). You will be missed. Rest In Peace brother.

You will be Missed by everyone you touched

Joe Stephens, a man's man, man of God, man of great integrity, one of a kind, top shelf in every way, very few were even in the same room with this guy. What a great loss to humanity. You will be missed but never forgotten brother!


Wally Reddington, Jr., Msgt, USAF (Retired)

Deepest condolences to Rita and Family. So happy I got to see Joe at the Stall 40th High School Reunion last summer.

Joe was always like Captain America to me. The model of health, vitality, Service and Duty to his State, Nation and God. Joe was a man's Man, the source of strength and love for his Family. I always prayed for Joe and his safety as a police officer. He touched and made the lives of so many people better.

I salute you Sir and know that you and Jesus can now socialize and praise God together. We will miss you greatly here on earth, Joe.

All the best,

Jimmy Bryant

Dearest Rita, Keeley, and Shala, my heart aches for you at the loss of your loving husband, daddy, friend. Please know that no matter where he is, he'll always be loving you, watching you; he'll stay with you forever. May God bless you.

I am in shock and disbelief as we just held training in mid-December. My condolences to his family and Lt. Buskirk as well! My greatest comfort comes in knowing that he knew the Lord and so we will see him again someday. And I'm sure he heard well done my good and faithful servant! both for his years or service as an officer and for his years of service training us civilians on how to be more aware of our surroundings and that we can make a difference.

Again my thoughts and prayers and with his wife and daughters and Lt. Buskirk.

It was my honor and priviledge to work with Capt Joe Stephens. He was a man of great integrity, loyalty and devoted to God. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, may God keep you in the palm of his hand.

I am very sorry to hear of Joe's' passing. I can only imagine the great lose this is to his family and dearest friends. Joe and I shared the journey of life together in high school. We went to Deer Park Baptist Church together, played sandlot football together and baseball and softball together. Joe was one of the guys I thought of from time to time. He was always an honest, moral, joyful friend. I am grateful for every kindness he showed me. I pray God will comfort those who feel the lose the greatest. I can only believe he grew to be a great, loving, Godly man.

Rita and Family,
We are all so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Joe very well, but he was a good , sweet, caring man to take such good care of his family. We cannot be there with you, but know that we love all of you and may God's peace be with you. Marc, Debbie, Amy, Allen, Sydney, Jacob

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. It is with a saddened heart that I offer this heartfelt expression of sympathy to you and your entire family. I had the pleasure of meeting Capt. Stephens when I started as a Police Service Technician for the North Charleston Police Department in Sept. of 2000. Capt. Stephens was a remarkable man and after hearing him express his adoration to Our LORD and Savior I understood why he was such an incredible person. Joe, Stone Cold Steve Austin was what I called him, will be greatly missed but I take comfort in knowing that he is resting in the arms of our creator, for the bible says to to be absent from this body is to be present with the LORD. It was an honor and privilege working with you Sir. GOD Bless and keep you Stephens family and know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers continuously. I pray that GOD would continue to wrap HIS loving arms around you in comfort and endow you with a peace that surpasses all of your understanding.

Our lives are forever changed because of the influence of Mr. Joe. He was a man who walked out his love for Jesus everyday and impacted everyone who encountered his encouragement, his laugh, or his silly jokes. Thank you Mr. Joe for always being the light. We are praying for peace for you all.

Rita, Keely, and Shala, our lives have all been enriched by this man you called husband and father. He lived his life with more integrity and honor - and was extraordinary in every role he filled. But watching how he served his God and his family was the highest I think I have ever watched. Our condolences to your sweet family.

Our hearts absolutely break for you. Joe was a wonderful man who touched many, and will be greatly missed.

It is with great sadness we say goodbye to a dear friend, cop, community supporter. We know that now you with our Lord and celebrating withball those gone nrfore you. We will nevervforget all you have done for our city sons the Charleston Farms Community. RIP Capt

I'm so sorry to hear about Joe! I never had the pleasure of knowing my cousin but my thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family. God bless each of you in this time of sorrow.

Joe, you will be missed my ole friend. Prayers to the family.

I worked with Joe from 1993-1997 at NCPD in dispatch. Always the brightest part of our day. Awesome individual my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest easy Joe knowing you made a difference in so many lives on so many levels.

Joe was a great person and a great cop. He had a great sense of humor, and never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed.

Dear Karrie, Rhonda, Wesley and family,

So sorry to hear of the passing of Joseph. He was a fine man who I admired through the years. He was always kind and friendly, as was your father during my visits to SC to visit my family. You guys were always so welcoming. As a fellow Law enforcement, I'm very grateful for his service to our country and his community. May you Rest in Peace Brother!

Fondly, Rich and Linda Dugan

Rita and family. i am so sorry for your loss. Joe was one of the nicest people I know. As you begin this difficult journey, may the love and faith of our God behold and sustain you. You have my deepest condolences.

Precious Stephens Family and Fellow Officers: May God give all of you peace and comfort during this time of grief. I would love to believe that Capt Stephens is up there in heaven talking things over with Chief Whatley and the other buddies in blue. It isn't easy to let them go, but by faith, I believe that we will see them again.

Pacita

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was a great officer, father, and Christian man. God Bless!

Rita, Keeley and Shala
I am so sorry Joe was such a wonderful fun person and I know how much he loved our Lord and his family. Please know I'm here for each of you anything I can help with don't hesitate to reach out. Prayers going up for your family. Freeda

TO THE FAMILY MAY THE LORD STRENGHT YOU THROUGH THIS I GOT TO KNOW JOE THAT WHAT HE WANTED US TO CALL HIM JUST THAT LITTLE TIME THAT HE WAS AROUND THE PUBLIC WORK DEPT BUILDING E THERE WAS A LOT OF RESPECT FOR HIM AND THATS WAS GIVEN BACK TO US FROM JOE AND THAT LET US KNOW THAT HE A PEOPLE PERSON AND CARE ABOUT YOUR WELL BEING OF OTHERS HES GOING TO BE MISS BUT TO KNOW HIM SOMETING ILL KEEP IN MY HEART OF GOOD FRIEND THANK YOU JOE FOR ALL YOU DID WAS A GOOD LEADER GET YOUR REST

It was an honor to work with you Sir.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

My dear brother I have great confidence that you are worshipping the King of Glory in all His splender where you will doing through all eternity

I Love you Brother , until we meet again Rip.

I will miss you dearly uncle joesph your passing stunned me,I know you don't want everyone crying but it's so hard to loose someone so amazing as you words are hard to come up in a time like this I will always love ❤ you your memories will always be in my heart

U will be so missed Joesph, we had great times as kids with Rhonda, Karrie, and Wesley. You r a man that loved deeply and was loved deeply. U will always be in our hearts Cuz. Love u ❤

J.I. Joe Stephen's - A Cops, Cop. Thank you for kindness, thoughtfulness, and leadership. I could always count on your honesty and mentorship. You will be missed but will be remembered always in prayer.