Louis Clyde Vann Stevenson

LOUIS CLYDE VANN “STEVE” STEVENSON, Age 81, of Providence, went home to be with the Lord March 21, 2018 at Rhode Island Hospital.  He was the beloved husband of Bonnie (Culbreth) Stevenson.  Born in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Clyde Stephenson and Sarah Vann. Louis loved reading and watching TV. He was smart, funny, fun loving, a thoughtful person and an inspiration to others. Also energetic with an infectious hearty laugh plus determined to make others laugh, usually with words. Louis was a Machinist at Cleveland Twist Drill Company for many years. After graduating from barber school, an apprentice with Jack the Barber on Camp St., he changed the name to The Grooming Station and used his business as a calling to serve others spiritually, minister the gospel to anyone that would receive, plus while washing & massaging their head, he could pray for them.  Louis was a gifted bass vocalist, who began as a child with the church youth choir. Louis often said he sharpened his singing and dancing on the street corners of Philadelphia with the “doo whoppers” which produced some of the greatest performers in the entertainment industry such as Teddy Pendergrass and Chubby Checker. Louis traveled extensively, especially to bowling tournaments with his wife Bonnie. An avid competitive bowler with ABC/USBC, and numerous local leagues,  he scored a few perfect 300 games. Playing double deck pinochle with friends is his idea for a fun evening. Louis enjoyed living in Rhode Island near the ocean. He wanted to get his fishing line wet within three minutes. He loved catching fish, scaling the fish and giving some away to friends. Louis always kept enough fish for a downhome old fashion family fish fry.  He loved cooking and watching his family enjoying his meals. Being a connoisseur, Louis cherished his friends home cooked food also, often complimenting the cook with a bourious euphemism such as “YOU PUT YOUR FOOT IN IT THIS TIME.”

Louis was a dedicated member of Faith Christian Center serving as Elder, care group leader, new convert worker and choir member. He enjoyed using his voice to lift up Jesus with the church choir, Fragrant of Christ, various local groups and recently with RPM voices of Rhode Island.  He also performed with the former Scitimard Players of Providence and former member of Silver Haired Legislators.

In addition to his wife Bonnie Stevenson of 35 years, he is survived by two daughters Lannace Holley and son-in-law, Joe of Philadelphia, PA, Karen Young EL and son-in-law, Thomas of Sullivan, ME. 10 grandchildren: Carl Stevenson, Antonina Mack, Zinnia Joyner, Devon Stevenson, Takoya Stevenson, Jahkeem Robinson, Kori Keaton, Melody Keaton, Leslie Jocobs and Tsachii  Stevenson, 17 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.  Louis was preceded in death by his son Louis Stevenson Jr., brother of the late Minnie “Missy” Skinner, Virginia Stephenson and George Scott. 

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