Remember

Lewis Stephens

October 7, 1931 - January 19, 2013
Hamden, Connecticut

Set a Reminder for the Anniversary
of Lewis 's Passing

Share This Obituary

Arrangements made by

Howard K Hill Funeral Services

1287 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06511
View Map - Get Directions→

Profile of Howard K Hill Funeral Services→

View Phone NumberTel. (203) 551-9639
Email Us
Receive Obituary Notifications by Email

Obituary
Funeral Services
Add A Photo
Memory Book

Memories & Candles

“Alberta, I heard the news regarding your husband and I am so sorry. My prayers go out to you and if you every need anything myself and my husband...Read More » ”
1 of 13 | Posted by: Carmen - New Haven, CT

“Lou and I worked together in the '70s. He supported me as one of the new teachers at Hamden High School during my times of orientation. I shared...Read More » ”
2 of 13 | Posted by: Eva J. Spence-Johnson - TN

“Please accept my deepest sympathy.I just received the news. We were studio neighbors for over forty years.Hard to believe I will not hear Lew call...Read More » ”
3 of 13 | Posted by: joseph cifferelli - new haven, CT

“Dear soror I am sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Elmer and I send our condolences. ”
4 of 13 | Posted by: Rita Henderson

“Dear Cousins, We are saddened by Cousin Lewis' passing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Take Care, Be Encouraged, Be...Read More » ”
5 of 13 | Posted by: Carol (Price) Harris - NJ

“Dear Alberta, "Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted" Matthew 5.4 With Sympathy and Prayers for you! Shirley ”
6 of 13 | Posted by: Shirley Farm - Hamden, CT

“Alberta: My thoughts are with you and your family. Steve ”
7 of 13 | Posted by: Steve Fortes - New Haven, CT

“Mrs. Stephens and Family, My most sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear husband. I am a former student of Mr. Stephens from the early to...Read More » ”
8 of 13 | Posted by: Rosemary DeLizio Schaeffer - CT

“Lou Stephens was an outstanding teacher at Hamden High School. His relationships with students was always positive. Students liked his classes and...Read More » ”
9 of 13 | Posted by: Bill Collins - Hamden, CT

“Bro Lou,will be missed at the lodge always with an smile,he shared with me those things of helping people, would understand his talents and share...Read More » ”
10 of 13 | Posted by: Dgt helen c powell - New haven, CT

“In your time of grief, I would like to offer condolences on behalf of the Jones family... ”
11 of 13 | Posted by: Roland Bubba Jones - New Haven, CT

“To Alberta, my co-worker in the Bursar's Office at Yale University so long ago. I was sad to read of your loss and extend my condolences. What an...Read More » ”
12 of 13 | Posted by: nancyholton abbate - north haven, CT

“Alberta, Although I did not know your husband personally, I know you through your neice Alexis & the senior center. I am so truly sorry for your loss...Read More » ”
13 of 13 | Posted by: Vicki Draughn - colonial beach, VA

Lewis Henry Stephens, Jr., 81, of Hamden, Connecticut, died on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at the St. Raphael Campus of Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Lewis was born to Mae and Lewis Henry Stephens, Sr. in Atlantic City, New Jersey on October 7, 1931. He was the only son and the youngest, had two sisters, Gladys Stephens Tarboro, who predeceased him, and Fannie Stephens Freeman-Davis. At the early age of three, Lewis and his family moved to Pleasantville, New Jersey where he attended the Park Avenue School and graduated from Pleasantville High School. He then enlisted into the United States Army and received his honorable discharge. On August 29, 1964, he married Alberta Hilton, who was his devoted wife for 48 years, residing in Hamden, Connecticut.

At a young age, Lewis was baptized at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Pleasantville where his immediate family attended. Lewis spent most of his formative years living in Pleasantville, New Jersey where he graduated from the Park Avenue School and Pleasantville High School. During Lewis' high school years, he ran track and played junior varsity football. He was also a member of the Pleasantville High School Choir and the Barron Social Club.

"Steve," as he was affectionately called, had a strong ambition to become a professional golfer. His interest and passion for golf was nurtured at Atlantic City Country Club that was established in 1897; first coined in 1903, the term "birdie," means one stroke under par. During the late 1950's and early 1960's, Steve caddied under the direction of the late John Turner and developed a close relationship with the late Leo Frasier, the Pro of the Country Club at the time who was also a former president of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA). Steve received a Robert Wood Platt College Scholarship that helped him finance his college education and establish his career as an artist. Steve later became the first African-American member of the Atlantic City Country Club where one of his landscape paintings graced one of the walls of the country club. His acceptance of the invitation for membership enabled him to join the list of the few African Americans who were being offered membership at predominately-white country clubs across the country during the early 1990's.

Steve received his B.S. degree from the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore (formerly Maryland State College) in 1958. He received a Master's degree from Southern Connecticut State University in 1970 and a second master's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 1973.

Steve taught art and photography in Hamden Connecticut schools for 35 years. After graduating in 1958, Steve started his first teaching position as an art teacher at the Michael Whalen Junior High School in Hamden. He completed his career and retired as a teacher of art and photography at Hamden High School. One of his student's was a book cover designer for Viking & Dutton Books at the Penguin USA Publishing Company. In the Region Section of the New Haven Register, he stated that Steve was "probably the most influential art teacher I had in my teens." Steve also served as coach of both the student golf team and ski club at Hamden High School.

Steve's artwork was inspired by eclectic inspirations, ranging from landscapes to portraits; taking special interest in African and African-American Art very early in his career. His innovative work in this genre occupies a significant portion of his art collection. To aspiring artists, Steve expressed his words of advice: "I would tell them straight out; you have to be committed. It's lonely work, it's hard work."
Steve received an honorable discharge from the United States Army and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks of the World, New Haven, Connecticut, and the Connecticut PGA. He was also a member of the Wallingford Country Club, Wallingford, Connecticut.
Steve is pre-deceased by his parents, his elder sister Gladys, and his close nieces Stephanie Stephens and Michelle Brantley. He is survived by his wife, Alberta, his sister, Fannie of Pleasantville, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Visitation

Friday, January 25
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Varick A M E Zion Church
246 Dixwell Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511
203-624--6245

Get Directions

Funeral Service

Friday, January 25
11:00 AM

Varick A M E Zion Church
246 Dixwell Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511
203-624--6245

Get Directions

Interment

Friday, January 25

Beaverdale Memorial Park
90 Pine Rock Avenue
New Haven, CT 06515

Get Directions

Memories & Candles

Page: 1 of 2

View All View Candles

Alberta,

I heard the news regarding your husband and I am so sorry. My prayers go out to you and if you every need anything myself and my husband Sammy will be here for you.

My Deepest Condolences,

Carmen & Sammy Pagan

Posted by: Carmen - New Haven, CT - Co-worker Jan 30, 2013

Lou and I worked together in the '70s. He supported me as one of the new teachers at Hamden High School during my times of orientation. I shared the news of his passing with Mrs. Gwendolyn Calhoun who now resides in Arizona. She was another Art teacher at the high school. Lou was a great artist and a person I will always remember.
Eva

Posted by: Eva J. Spence-Johnson - Chattanooga, TN - Co Worker Jan 30, 2013

Please accept my deepest sympathy.I just received the news. We were studio neighbors for over forty years.Hard to believe I will not hear Lew call anymore and say "Hey Joe you've gotta see this painting I just finished!" . He was as excited about Art two weeks ago as he was back on Daggett street in the seventies.A jazz pianist, calligrapher,all around artist,and scratch golfer to boot.
We are going to miss you Lew.

Posted by: joseph cifferelli - new haven, CT - artist neighbor Jan 29, 2013

Dear soror
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Elmer and I send our condolences.

Posted by: Rita Henderson

Jan 25, 2013

Dear Cousins,
We are saddened by Cousin Lewis' passing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Take Care, Be Encouraged, Be Comforted, and God Bless.

Love and Peace -
Your Cousins,
Marquita, Carol and Bill Price

Posted by: Carol (Price) Harris - Pleasantville, NJ - Cousin Jan 25, 2013

Dear Alberta,
"Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted" Matthew 5.4
With Sympathy and Prayers for you!
Shirley

Posted by: Shirley Farm - Hamden, CT - Co-worker Jan 25, 2013

Alberta:

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Steve

Posted by: Steve Fortes - New Haven, CT - friend Jan 25, 2013

Mrs. Stephens and Family,
My most sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear husband.
I am a former student of Mr. Stephens from the early to mid- sixties.
I still do not regret taking Art classes for electives (I should have taken typing), especially having Mr. Stephens as the teacher. He was an awesome educator and gentleman who was always encouraging, yet pushed the envelope. He even wrote in my yearbook To Mdme. Picasso. I was eternally complimented and humbled by

... more

Posted by: Rosemary DeLizio Schaeffer - Hamden, CT - Former Student Jan 25, 2013

Lou Stephens was an outstanding teacher at Hamden High School. His relationships with students was always positive. Students liked his classes and were encouraged by his gentle ways. He always had a smile and a wave when we passed. The High School staff and students admired him and found him easy to talk to. I remember one particular incident when he went out of his way to be supportive of one particular student who had been reprimanded unfairly by another

... more

Posted by: Bill Collins - Hamden, CT - friend, colleague Jan 25, 2013

Bro Lou,will be missed at the lodge always with an smile,he shared with me those things of helping people, would understand his talents and share with others. You have my prayers to your
Family

Posted by: Dgt helen c powell - New haven, CT - Member in elks Jan 24, 2013

Page: 1 of 2

View All View Candles

Lewis Stephens

Share This Obituary

Arrangements made by

Howard K Hill Funeral Services

Thank You!

Memories & Candles

Visitation

Funeral Service

Interment

Create An Online Memorial For Lewis Stephens

Select An Online Memorial Product:

Eternal Tribute

Military Tribute

Memories & Candles