A Heartfelt Farewell to Reverend Mother Eliza Ann Stevens (Tetee Charlie)

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we, the Stevens and Demor families, announce the peaceful transition from labor to reward of our cherished mother, aunt, relative, spiritual mother, and friend, the Reverend Mother Eliza Ann Stevens, affectionately known to us as: Ma, Aunty Liza, Cousin Liza, Eliza Ann, and Tetee Charlie. She left us to be with the Lord on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the remarkable age of 92, after a protracted period of illness. She truly embraced her journey home.

Born on December 9, 1933, to the late Melford Charles Stevens and Rachael Dennis Stevens, Eliza Ann did not just live; she embodied a life overflowing with purpose, unwavering faith, and a love that knew no bounds. She was a shining light, a steady anchor, and a wellspring of wisdom for every person blessed enough to cross her path. A true woman of God, Reverend Mother Eliza was a foundational force; one of the original members of the Gates Of Heaven Mid-day Prayer Band (Staten Island). Her fervent prayers and gentle spiritual guidance touched countless souls, lighting their way and offering immense comfort when needed most. Her presence always brought a deep sense of peace, her wisdom provided solace, and her spirit inspired a heartfelt devotion. She made her home in Staten Island, New York, for decades, where her door was always open and her heart, ever-welcoming, reflecting a generosity that simply knew no limits.

Reverend Mother Eliza Ann Stevens was preceded in death by her beloved parents: Melford Charles Stevens and Rachael Dennis Stevens; her siblings, Quillens E.J. Stevens, Sr., Edwin J. Stevens, Candace Stevens Patray, Rachel Stevens Morris, and Richard C. Stevens; her children: Aletha Johnson-Gbeh (Baby Girl), Ruben Cooper (Bertram Reddi Walker); and her granddaughter: Candace Gbeh-Smith (Mammie Candace).

While our grief is immense and the space she leaves in our lives feels vast, we find comfort in knowing that our dearly departed is finally at peace, reunited with her loved ones, and resting in the eternal bosom of Jesus Christ. We hold onto the comforting words of Psalm 27: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” Her incredible faith, so much like the psalmist’s, guided her through every challenge, always seeking God’s loving presence. Her legacy of deep faith, incredible strength, and boundless love will forever echo in our hearts and be woven into the very fabric of the communities she deeply impacted. We mourn her passing, yes, but even more, we celebrate a life beautifully lived—a life wholeheartedly dedicated to serving others, to prayer, and to tirelessly pursuing what was right. She has completed her earthly pilgrimage, leaving us a spiritual inheritance that we will forever cherish and strive to honor.

Arrangements:

Wake-Keeping Friday, July 11, 2025: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM Eastern Time Christ Assembly Lutheran Church 27 Hudson Street | Staten Island | New York 10304

Please Note: All tributes will be made at the Wake. No exceptions, please! If you wish to pay a tribute, please contact Quillens E. J. Stevens, Jr. (Papa Nus) at 817-719-6454, to be included on the list.

Homegoing Celebration Service Saturday, July 12, 2025, 8:00 AM Eastern Time Christ Assembly Lutheran Church 27 Hudson Street | Staten Island | New York 10304

Please Note: Only the Family will be paying tributes during the Homegoing Celebration Service. No exceptions, please!