In a family of 100s (literally) of cousins, Stevie and Connie are 2 that I grew up closest too. I hardly remember a family event where they were not present. At one point Stevie (who was about 19 years older than me) lived in my grandmother’s basement with a girlfriend he had at the time. I would go down there and they would play with me and be so sweet to this little girl invading their space. 🥹 Stevie was always good for a huge bear hug and a laugh. He always had a dog with him, and he would literally do ANYTHING to help us out! Stevie helped me move back home after escaping a really bad relationship. He spent so much time unloading my U-Haul and loading up my storage unit. I couldn’t have done that without him. He was kind, funny, selfless, always willing to help and just your typical burly man. I always called him “mountain man” because he had the best beard. lol. Looking back at old pictures is ripping my heart out seeing me with him when I was a baby. I was right next to him in every picture. Fast forward to when I had kids of my own and Stevie was the same playful, loving cousin to them that he was to me. He loved his family and we loved him. It was an absolute HONOR and privilege to spend some of his final days with him singing to him, loving on him, and talking to him about Jesus. I prayed so hard for you to just open your eyes and start talking to us, Stevie. I prayed so hard for a miracle. But it just wasn’t in the plan and my heart is broken over it. Watching you live your last days is something I’ll never recover from. But I look forward to seeing you again and getting one of those big bear hugs. I’m sure you’ll have your impressive beard in heaven too. 😂 I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’m so sorry we couldn’t save you. You deserved so much better. 💔 We will take care of Connie!! 

🎶“Now you’re free, free 

forever Amen. 

When death was arrested and your life began.” 🎶

I'm certain that he rests with Jesus, now.  I have countless memories of Stevie and especially his dramatic representations of experiences from work.  He could make you laugh and see the lighter side of things.  You could never just mention Stevie.  The proper address would be "Stevie and Connie".   There is now an emptiness we all will share but one day, no more.   

Connie, my heart is so broken for you.  We will never let you go.  And we are going to help you heal.  I love you so much.  Wendy

The last time I saw Stevie was in early July.  They had come over to use the computer.  We had a nice visit, as always, but now I wish it had gone on for hours (it was just too short) because now it's all I have to cling on to.  This was the first time I learned just how bad Stevie's blood pressure was and that this had been going on for way too long.  If I had only known, Stevie, I would have forcefully done something to get you back on your blood pressure medicine.  Stevie had stopped smoking about three years ago after having smoked all of his life.  He just laid them down, cold turkey, never picked them up again.  That is impressive will power.  And I told him this day how proud I was of him for doing this.  I guess I naively thought that his health would begin improving because of stopping smoking.  I didn't realize how deadly high blood pressure was.  I'm so sorry I didn't do more to help you, Steve.  I can't even look at your pictures; it just tears me up to much.  I love you, Stevie.  And now I'm in anguish without you.  We will meet again.  Meanwhile, know that we will take care of Connie for you.

Your forever loving cousin, Wendy

So sad to hear this news yesterday.  We are a very big family and do not stay in touch as we should.  What a loving tribute to one of our young family members and my deepest sympathy to Connie, Wendy, Monica, Terry, Aunt Dee, and their families who always kept Steve and Connie under their wings.  Thanks for sharing all that you experienced knowing Stevie.   My heart aches for all of you, and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.    Love Cousin Sandy Gordon and family.

Praying for the whole family as everyone adjusts to this tragic loss. I’m so sorry!  Thoughts and prayers. ♥️