Johnny Stephens

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Johnny Mark Stephens announce his passing.  He was a father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and beloved friend. Mark was born May 27, 1958 in Louisa, Kentucky and left this earth Sunday January 31, 2021 to rejoice in a reunion with the loved ones he had lost over the years including his mother (Myrtle ‘Kay’ Stephens (Boggs)), father (John H. Stephens), brother (Kevin C. Stephens), special aunt Clotine Ciccone (Boggs) and many other family members and friends.  His spirit lives on in daughter Michelle Stephens-Humeidan (Omar), grandchildren Mariam and Zacharia, sweetheart Melody Roush Stephens, brother Tommy Stephens (Shirley), nephews Isaac, Tyler, Kyle and Dylan Stephens, brothers-in-law Melvin and Billy Roush, many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.  Mark grew up in Franklinton and graduated with the Class of 1976 from Franklin Heights High School.  He retired from General Motors in 2006 after 30 years of service.  Raising his daughter and his work with the United Auto Workers (UAW) were his life’s greatest accomplishments.  Per Mark’s wishes, the family is proceeding with cremation and plan to celebrate his life with family and friends on a future date.

Mark found purpose in service to others.  He displayed fierce loyalty, unshakable determination and was a gifted debater. Both loved and respected for his work ethic and dedication to his fellow coworkers, Mark held several elected and appointed positions in the UAW Local 969, not least of which was Shop Chairman at the General Motors plant in Columbus, OH. He was extremely proud to be the recipient of the Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award for his actions above and beyond the call of duty. An affable sense of humor, he missed no opportunity to exchange a witty comment with all.  Mark was a genuine and honest man, and he knew no strangers, especially in the workplace.  If he was behind your cause, you had a warrior on your side.  He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

Over his life, Mark loved music, concerts, sports, bowling, golfing, cars, photography, cooking, camping, 4-wheeling, and spending time with his loved ones, both family and friends alike.  It is more accurate to say that Mark didn’t have friends actually, just family. A diehard University of Kentucky fan, Mark enjoyed collecting memorabilia and was a regular at football and basketball games, especially during his daughter’s tenure there as a student. He was incredibly sentimental and told stories of those he knew and cared about regularly.  He was the best at keeping important memories alive.  As his favorite prayer states, he was always striving for acceptance of the things he could not change, courage to change the things he could, and wisdom to know the difference. If you would like to give a gift in his honor, please consider the Democratic Party ( https://democrats.org ) or United Way ( https://liveunitedcentralohio.org ).  Please visit the following link for his tribute video, https://www.dropbox.com/s/6rm9cd156ot52tf/JMS_Memorial_02.mp4?dl=0 .

From his daughter:

The grit, wisdom and unconditional love that my Dad instilled in me is the foundation of my person.  He would have recognized the need for us all to grieve his passing and having endured the loss of many dear to him, he knew the process is never really over.  However, my Dad used sad moments to gain perspective and remind himself what good he had in his life.  He would have advised us all to do the same.  My Dad told me to gather his ‘family’ and celebrate his life when he passed- he wanted a party not a funeral.  I plan to do this Summer 2021 and will make sure information is communicated to all those who wish to attend.  I will try my best to keep his spirit ever present for his grandchildren to be able to know him.  I hope others can do the same in his now eternal absence- it will undoubtedly keep a smile on your face.