Aubrey Smith 'Oliver' Stephenson

The Life, Legacy & Love of Aubrey...    

There’s a very special garden, Where the trees of memory grow

Nurtured by the kindness and  concern that good friends show.

The roots are cherished memories, Of good times in the past.

The branches tender promises that souls endure and last.

It’s a place of peace and beauty, where  bright new hopes can start

It’s memory’s lovely garden that soothes the hurting heart.

The Mission of a Leader:

     On Sunday, July 31, 1966, life was bestowed upon Aubrey Smith Stephenson in Orange, New Jersey as he was born to the parentage of Garland and Irene Dobbins Stephenson. As life progressed, Aubrey grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, seeking an educational foundation at the East Orange High School, East Orange, New Jersey.  Every life has a road map and Aubrey’s road took him from New Jersey to Richmond, Virginia - where he stayed for over three years, but that was not where God would permanently place him. 

     As life progressed, “Oliver” as he was affectionately called, set his sight on Arlington, Texas and planted his roots in that city. While there, he matured and developed into a respectful and noble leader, whose vision and abilities transcended above many.  Seeing the need to provide for himself and embrace the beauty of Arlington, he began working for Fannie Mae. God decided that he was to go to another level and he  started working at the United States Bank  in 2015,  until September 17, 2020; when God summoned him home.

        A Man In His Own Right:

     Not only did Aubrey work hard, but he also was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. In addition to sports, he enjoyed music - Gospel, Jazz and Old School.  All of this was good, but not enough. God had given him a gift - a voice. One that needed to be heard and a means of getting messages across to all people from various backgrounds. In 2013, he became an integral part of WG Ministries Theatrical Production, that traveled locally and abroad, carrying a meaningful message within every show. He utilized his voice in each play to help spread the message of hope, as one of  the leading characters in plays such as: “You Got What You Wanted, But You Lost What You Had”, “When the Tables Turn”, “Shattered Faith” “ Lord, I Want To Come Home”, “Under  The Cover And On Top Of The Contract”, “Seven Women, One Man” and lastly in 2019 “Scarred For Life” -  just to name a few.   Aubrey was nominated Best Supporting Actor by “Church Stars Christian Entertainment Magazine” for his work in Evelyn Jones Reed’s “Creeps and Silly Women”.  He remained an active member of WG Ministries Theatrical Production, until his untimely transition. During his tenure, he was known to possess a humbled spirit.  He was very gracious, drama-free, a notable singer, powerful talent  and a gifted actor, who did what it took to perfect his craft. Aubrey also acted in several productions with the Great Commission Baptist Church Drama Ministry, under the pastorship of Dr. Douglas E. Brown.   

     In July of 2020, Aubrey once again lived up to his name and became a miracle. He was used by God to reassure us of a few things: God was still in charge, God has the last word, God said, I will show you things that the eyes have not seen nor ears have heard, God said you have been such a good servant that I will do you like I did Hezekiah (give you a little more time). When Aubrey had fulfilled the desires of his heart God said, “Come on home”.

                The Memories of Life:

       Life is but a stopping place, A pause in what’s to be, A resting place along the road, to sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, Different paths along the way, We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay… Our destination is a place, Far greater than we know. For some the journey’s quicker, For some the journey’s slow. And when the journey finally ends, We’ll claim a great reward, And find an everlasting peace, Together with the lord. On Thursday, September 17, 2020; God in His infinite wisdom, lifted our dear loved one from this world of sin, sorrow and pain, to a place of eternal rest. Don’t worry family, for he is not alone.  ‘Oliver’ now reunites with a host of relatives and friends who have preceded him in death.  Among them:  his mother and father-at-heart, Irene and Lee Charmer; paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Harris; maternal grandmother, Alberta Dobbins; uncles, Isaac Dobbins, Rudolph Dobbins, Rudolph Harris, Alfred Harris and Willie Joe Harris and aunts, Marie Dobbins and Missy Mae Daye.  

     Our family is a circle of strength and love; with every birth and every union, the circle of love grows - every trial faced together makes the circle grow stronger.   We who remain struck by the bitter pain of death, but are assured by the promise of God; that He would wipe all tears from our eyes:  his father and mother-at-heart, Garland Stephenson (Rev. Gloria Stephenson) of Garysburg, North Carolina; siblings,  Shelton Stephenson (Pat) and Sharon Atkins (Curtis, Sr.) all of Richmond, Virginia and Brian Little of Houston, Texas; brothers-at-heart, Ronald Jackson (Petria) of Enfield, North Carolina and Christopher Jackson (Gia) of New Orleans, Louisiana; sister-at-heart, Shyquel Holey of Murfreesboro, North Carolina; aunts and uncles,  Mary Stephenson and Eddie Harris (Lillian) all  of  Severn, North Carolina, Joyce Everett (Lewis) of Hampton, Virginia, Clarence E. Harris (Lane) of Murfreesboro, North Carolina, Aaron Harris of Potecasi, North Carolina, Frank Arthur Stephenson of Rich Square, North Carolina, Lorenzo Harris (Ophelia), Theodore Daye (Mae) and Robert Stephenson of  all of Como, North Carolina, Rev. Ronald Daye (Annie), Sylvia Tann (Eugene), Llwellyor Daye and Gracie Bynum all of Pendleton, North Carolina, Carlton Daye (Juliette) of Franklin, Virginia, Elder Joan Wilson (David) of North Chesterfield, Virginia, Helena Meekins (Rev. Ricky) of Richmond, Virginia Joyce Wynn of Princeton, North Carolina, Barbara Benton of Pikeville, North Carolina, Patricia Brown and Randolph Dobbins both of Selma, North Carolina, Ricky Dobbins (Juanita) of Newport News, Virginia, Theodore Stephenson (Mae Lois) of Seaboard, North Carolina, Thurman Daye of Woodland, North Carolina, Floyd Stephenson of Courtland, Virginia and  Hilda West of Norfolk, Virginia; ...his extended family from Texas: Victor and Auzzene Dewberry (godparents), Guy Gibson, Jr., Sherri Gibson, Tony Grant, David Moore, Arianna Moore, Aleyiah Moore, David Moore, Jr., Jasmine P. Moore, Jason C. L. Moore, Preston Moore, Janisha Walker and Donnella Henderson; a host of cousins and friends. 

With Sincere Gratitude

      So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

~Colossians 3: 12

The greatest comfort during our hours of sorrow, has been the many expressions of sympathy from relatives and friends.  We deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness, love and most notably, your prayers.   We pray God’s continued hands of mercies be upon each of you, as we ask that you will pray for our continued comfort and strength for the days that lie ahead.  A very special Thank You is extended  to Oliver’s US Bank family, Stephanie Bench and WG Ministries Theatrical Productions - Evelyn Jones Reed, CEO.  

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Stephenson's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Celebration of Life will be LIVE STREAMED.  
Streaming will be available on Facebook Live (T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC) and on Mr. Stephenson's obituary page.  Simply scroll to the bottom of this obituary page and the link will appear 15 minutes prior to the start time of the service. (12:45 PM EST)

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Mr. Aubrey Smith 'Oliver' Stephenson.  

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Aubrey Smith 'Oliver' Stephenson, please visit our floral store.