Angelo S. Stevens

The Honorable Angelo S. “Jack” Stevens Sr., 70, of Hustle, VA, passed away on September 15, 2022, at Sunny Days Assisted Living in Henrico, VA.

Jack was born on August 4, 1952, to Esther A. Stevens and Walter A. Stevens. He was cared for in his early years by his grandparents, the late Reverend Dr. William Amos Young Sr. and Robinette Fortune Young known to him as “Momma.” After graduating from Essex High School in 1970, Jack joined the United States Coast Guard. Jack served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a full-time service member and then as a reservist until 1985.

In 1979, Jack joined the Essex County Sheriff's department. He served Essex County in this capacity for 8 years. In 1985, Jack opened the Rappahannock Vault Company. What started as a small company helping funeral homes on weekends became a substantial company in Essex County. Jack had the privilege to serve several funeral homes from Philadelphia to the southern part of Virginia. Jack served as the owner and operator of Rappahannock Vault Company for 35 years. The Vault Company was his joy, passion, love, and life.

Jack was a force of nature. He served his community with a spirit of excellence. Jack served as an elected official on the Essex County Board of Supervisors from 1992 to 2013. During Jack’s six terms on the Board of Supervisors, Jack served as Vice- Chairman, and Chairman many times.

Jack strove to make Essex County a better place for all citizens of the county, especially those in his jurisdiction, the North Election District. A few of the many significant accomplishments of the Board during his tenure were the implementation of the Summer Park and Recreation Pool Transportation Program, the indoor plumbing and new home projects, the creation of the Loretto park-and-ride lot, and the construction of the Occupacia Creek Bridge. Jack was at the forefront of funding for the renovation of all three Essex County Public Schools, the Sheriff’s office, Essex County Court House, and Essex County Library. So many members of the Essex County Community love to share stories of the ways that Jack would go above and beyond to assist them even when the issue was beyond his scope as a Board member.

Jack was also passionate about his service at Mount Olive Baptist Church. Jack was baptized there at a young age by his grandfather. Jack served as a member of the Board of Trustees and as a Chairman of the Board of Trustees for several years. He also served on the Cemetery Ministry and on the Sound Ministry. Jack often quoted Job 14:1, “Man that is born of a woman is but of few days and full of trouble.” He also enjoyed reading the Psalms, particularly Psalm 23, Psalm 91, and Psalm 92. He often encouraged his children to attend church and make spiritual practices a priority.

Jack truly enjoyed fishing with his mom and Uncle Tom. He loved sitting in his deer stand hunting. Jack loved to grill, eat crabs and watermelon, and spend time with friends and family. Jack enjoyed it when people in the community would stop by his office or house to talk for hours. He was a remarkable storyteller.

Family meant a lot to Jack. He prided himself on being a father and a provider. Jack was unendingly proud of his children and grandchildren. Jack loved taking Jordyn to and from school each day. They shared a special bond because of the personal time they spent together. Jack would always make sure he was present to hear Leslie preach. Jack would eat lunch at Shoney’s several times a week just to see Marsha. Many summers he enjoyed Akena visiting Hustle and going to visit Akena in Norfolk. He was especially proud to work side by side with Angelo at the Vault Company.

Jack is survived by his children: Angelo S. Stevens Jr. (Megan), Akena Stevens, Marsha Kilgore (Trelane), Leslie Stevens-Tavera (Luis), and Jordyn Stevens. His grandchildren: Macie Stevens, Allyssa Stevens, Christopher Stevens, Jared Stevens, Jamial Bennet Jr., Ema’Ree Battle-Stevens, Chance Stevens, Justice Stevens, Marshala Kilgore, and Madison Kilgore. His Sisters: Mona Lisa Porter (Art) and Antoinette Jones. His Aunts: Ruby Chestnut (Taylor), Patricia Wright (Delaney), Denyce Jones (Chuck) and Uncle: Pernell Young (Soc).

In Jack’s last year and a half, he was well taken care of by Sunny Days Assisted Living. They loved Jack and treated him like family, often calling him “King.” His caregivers were Brittnii and Jean Bellot, Regina Roots, William Roots, Mckennly Roots, Kamille Roots, and Jannia Jones. In their care, Jack only complained that they loved and cared for him too much. The family cannot thank Brittnii and Sunny Days Assisted Living enough for caring for him in such a special way. You made his last days more than comfortable and pleasant.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Jack’s honor to:

The Huge Heart Foundation

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/huge-heart-foundation-inc

By phone: Text the phrase BEHUGE to 44321

A memorial service will be held at later date. All services will be private.