Eddie J. Stevens

Mr. Eddie Joe Stevens, 78, affectionately known as Little Joe, beloved brother, uncle, and friend who resided at Cardinal Nursing Home of South Bend, IN. passed away at 4:00 pm on Thursday, July 16, 2020 following an extended illness.

He was born on May 18, 1942 to the union of Woodrow and Macy Lee (Reeze) Stevens in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The oldest of seven siblings, he is survived by a loving and devoted family of three sisters; Lou Bertha Buckingham, Geneva Jackson and Catherine Harris along with three in laws that he considered to be his brothers; Levester Buckingham, Ezra Jackson and Richard Adams; all of South Bend, IN. Eddie accepted Christ at the age of nineteen and was baptized under Elder W.O Coats. Eddie never married and had no biological children, however, he considered two special nephews as his own sons, Craig M. Stevens and Carlos Buckingham. He also played a significant role in the raising of thirteen nieces and nephews. He was referred to as Uncle-Daddy Eddie.

Eddie attended S.B. Community Schools and graduated from Wayne High School of Illinois. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Lasalle Extension University of Chicago, Illinois and received his Master’s degree from University of Notre Dame in Criminal Law & Justice. While pursuing his M.A from the University of Notre Dame, he helped carry on the business of his father, Woodrow Stevens & Son Plastering Contractor. Eddie also held municipal positions in the cities of Chicago, IL and Indianapolis, IN. He later earned a certificate in Welding from Ivy Tech College.

Some of his hobbies were hunting, painting, reading the Bible and watching Western movies.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Woodrow and Macy Stevens and three sisters; Louise Stevens, Christine Washington and Josephine Groves.

The family sends a special thank you to Cardinal Nursing & Staff, Center for Hospice and Doctor Alfredo Casetti MD. In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be sent to the Center for Hospice; www.cfhcare.org.

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