Bernard Stevens

BERNARD STEVENS, 63, of Denver Colorado, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2020. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family as he peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home.
He was born to Mattie Stevens (Turner) and Henry Stevens on August 20, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age. Bernard lived in Chicago until he relocated to Colorado, where he resided at the time of his death.
On November 4, 2016, Bernard was joined in matrimony to Anita Davis, his longtime companion, also from Chicago. He loved to cook and entertain family and friends, earning him the nickname, "Chef-Boy-R-B"! Bernard considered feeding folks his "mission" and made sure no one ever left hungry, you might even call it his Ministry. He enjoyed playing and watching basketball. Some even say he was "Michael Jordan before there was a Michael Jordan". He also loved to play cards, watch old movies and always enjoyed a good debate! Bernard was also known for his sense of humor, evidenced by those around him frequently responding , "Bernard, you so crazy"!
Bernard worked in many different capacities throughout his life, earning him a reputation of being a "jack of all trades". There were very few things he had not done or did not know how to do. You could always call on him for an opinion on "how to".
He was preceded in death by his Mother, Father and brothers, Larry and Philip. He is survived by his loving wife, Anita, his children: Marquerita Birks, Aretha Birks, Latanya Stevens, LaToya Stevens, LaTara Stevens, Kwona Birks and 15 grandchildren of Chicago Illinois. He leaves to mourn his passing, his siblings: Henrietta Battle of Chicago, Illinois; Barbara Paskins (Fred) of Aurora, Colorado; Junious Turner (Carolyn) of Chicago, Illinois; Deborah Stevens-Carr (James Bonham) of Westminster, Colorado; Melvin Stevens (Kathy) of Nashville, Arkansas; Parnell McGee II of Denver, Colorado. Also, mourning his passing is his Aunt, Emma Jean Turner of Memphis Tennessee, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his very special friend and confidant Arlene Birks of Chicago, Illinois.

Loving Tribute from Anita
Cherish

Let's take a walk together near the ocean shore
Hand in hand you and I
Let's cherish every moment we have been given
The time is passing by
I often pray before I lay down by your side
If you receive your calling before I awake
Could I make it through the night
Cherish the love we have
We should cherish the life we live
Cherish the love, cherish the life, cherish the love
The world is always changing
Nothing stays the same
But love will stand the test of time
The next life that we live in
Remains to be seen
Will you be by my side
Let's cherish every moment we have together
For as long as we both shall live
Hand in hand, you and I
Cherish the love, cherish the life, cherish the love

Forever in my heart - Daddy's Girl - Latoya

"My Daddy's Hand"

Hold my hand Daddy, and show me the way,
So that I can go out, in the big world one day.
Teach me the basics, and then let me learn.
Should I ever get stuck, I'll know just where to turn.
Cheer me up Daddy when, I'm feeling blue.
I can always rely, on a kind word from you.
Dry my tears Daddy, when I'm feeling sad.
Let me know it's okay, and I won't feel so bad.
Show me the sunshine, and then set me free,
To be the brilliant person, that you raised me to be.
Today is full of memories of my Daddy laid to rest,
And every single one of them is full of happiness,
For you were someone special, always such a joy to know
And there was so much pain, when it was time to let you go.
That's why this message is sent to heaven, for the angels to take care you
And give you all our love. Gonna miss you Daddy.


Missing you always and forever, your daughter, Latanya

I know that no matter what, you will always be with me.
When life separates us, I'll know it's only your soul.
Saying goodbye to your body, but your spirit will be with me always.
When I see a bird chirping on a nearby branch
I will know it is you singing to me.
When a butterfly brushes gently by me so, care freely
I will know it is you assuring me you are free of pain.
When the gentle fragrance of a flower, catches my attention
I will know it is you reminding me, to appreciate the simple things in life.
When the sun shining through my window, awakens me
I will feel the warmth of your love.
When I hear the rain pitter patter against my window sill
I will hear your words of wisdom, and will remember
What you taught me so well.
That without rain trees cannot grow
Without rain flowers cannot bloom
Without life's changes I cannot grow strong.
When I look out to the sea
I will think of your endless love for your family.
When I think of mountains, there majesty magnificence
I will think of your courage for your country.
No matter where I am, Your spirit will be beside me
For I know that no matter what,
You will always be with me.

Precious Lord, Take My Hand
(Posthumous Tribute from Mom)

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER, BERNARD
From Your Brother, Melvin
First, Giving Honor to God!
I thank you for my little brother, Bernard.
I thank you for the times we have had together.
From the beginning to the end of his journey.
To Bert, I LOVE YOU!
All the times we had from the west side of Chicago to Colorado!
I love you so much that I can let you go!
Because I know you are in a better place with family; Mom, brothers, aunts, uncle, cousins, and friends…so you good!
When you start playing ball in heaven, brother, whatever team you are on, save a seat for me!
I LOVE YOU!


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The family of Bernard Stevens, wishes to express their love and gratitude for the calls, cards, meals, flowers and other acts of kindness shown to them during their time of bereavement. Blessings to each and everyone!

SYMBOLIC PALLBEARERS
BERNARD'S BROTHERS AND SISTERS
LARRY (Posthumously)
BARBARA
PHILIP (Posthumously)
JUNIOUS
DEBORAH
MELVIN
PARNELL

HONARARY PALLBEARERS
DARREL "BIG" GREEN
JAMES "COWBOY" JACKSON
KERRY TAYLOR
NATE KIMBROUGH
CALVIN "CAL" SMITH
LANCEY SMITH