Romie Stephens

Romie A. Stephens Jr. was born on February 9, 1936, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late Elder Romie A. Stephens Sr. and Minnie V. Douglas (Stephens). His birth father passed away when Romie was just six months old. Soon after, Minnie moved to Cleveland, where she met and married Emerson Boykins. Together, they raised Romie in a loving Christian home grounded in faith and purpose.

Romie's life was defined by passion, integrity, and a deep love for family. He graduated from East Tech High School and proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served with honor for nearly 10 years before being honorably discharged in the early 1960s.

After his military service, Romie met Phyllis Belle, his devoted life partner, who stood by his side and cared for him lovingly until his peaceful transition. He became the proud father of five children: Gary, Sharon, Lori, Romie III, and Chad.

As a father, Romie's gentle strength and nurturing spirit laid a firm foundation for his children. He taught the values of creativity, gratitude, resilience, and the importance of leaving the world better than we found it. His greatest joy came from supporting and uplifting others, always leading with compassion and encouraging people to seize each moment with purpose.

Romie was a passionate advocate for the Black community and remained deeply involved in efforts to uplift and empower others. He served honorably in multiple community organizations, including as Board President of Murtis Taylor Human Services System and as a board member of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry. A proud Black Nationalist and dedicated Mason, he was a longtime member of William T. Boyd Masonic Lodge #79.

Above all, Romie was an entrepreneur with a brilliant mind and an unwavering commitment to capturing and celebrating the beauty of Cleveland's Black community. He was one of the first Black men to start a security surveillance company in Northeast Ohio and served as a mentor and business consultant to numerous Black-owned businesses throughout the region. He poured his heart into every venture, treating each setback not as a failure but as a lesson to grow from. Romie inspired others to pursue their dreams boldly and was always willing to lend an ear to those committed to community progress.

He will be remembered for his warm smile, infectious humor, and enduring faith in the good of humanity. Whether behind the camera lens or drafting a business plan, Romie lived each day with creativity, compassion, and purpose.

Romie was preceded in death by his parents: Elder Romie A. Stephens Sr., Minnie V. Boykins, and Emerson Boykins; his sister, Bessie Smith; his son, Gary M. Carnes; daughter-in-law, Shante Stephens; and granddaughter, Delia Stephens.

He is survived by his loving life partner, Phyllis Belle; sons, Romie A. Stephens III and Chad Stephens (Natalie); daughters, Sharon Coleman (Bart), Lori Tazewell (Charles), and daughter-in-law Dorraine (Emery) Carnes; niece and nephew, Cynthia and Mike Golson; grandchildren: Daniel, NyKayla Stephens, Anthony Pierson (Southern Ohio), Marilyn Ikerd (Kevin Frye - Overland Park, KS), Demetria Green (Anthony - Houston, TX), Michelle Carnes (Kansas City, KS), and Andre Burton; five great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family members and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

Romie's legacy lives on in every life he touched and every photo he captured.