Roland G Stevens

Mr. Roland Stevens, 86 of Smithfield passed away on Thursday July 18, 2013 at home. Roland Glendon Stevens a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, was a quiet wonderful God-fearing man and the son of the late Charles and Sallie Stevens and brother of the late Lugenia Stevens King, Nathan Stevens and Jonah Stevens. Roland was born on September 6, 1926 in Smithfield, North Carolina and passed away on July 18, 2013 with a peaceful heart and clear mind.
During his early years, Roland made his Christian commitment to Christ at Trinity United Presbyterian Church, in Smithfield, NC, the church where his mother was a founding member. At Trinity he served as an ordained Elder and Deacon. Upon the closing of Trinity United Presbyterian Church, as a faithful follower of Christ, he continued his Christian journey as a member of First Missionary Baptist Church, Smithfield, NC.
Roland was educated at Johnston Training School in Smithfield and worked for Hudson Belk Department Store where he became an icon until his retirement in 1988. Everyone remembers Roland Stevens or "Mr. Roland" at Belk. Roland was employed at Efrids and The Smithfield Library for many years. Many will remember him from Friendly's Barbershop where he shined shoes and provided clever guidance to unsuspecting young men who not only got a lesson on how to care for their shoes but lessons about life, as well.
Roland lived a full active life, touching many lives with joy, love and happiness. He believed strongly that all people are good and that no one should forget the Lord because everything we have comes ultimately from God who gives us all things to enjoy. He was a life member of Smithfield Men's Progressive Club, a businessman, and a humble man who never forgot the Giver of all gifts. His favorite life learning imparted to his all children and grand children was that "You have to crawl before you walk." This legacy he leaves for his great grand children.
Full of joy and laughter, Roland was an inspiration to everyone with whom he interacted. On October 20, 1948, he established a family, often dubbed the "Stevens Clan", with his bride of 50 years – Rhoda Elizabeth Morgan Stevens. During their 50 years of marriage, they reared God fearing children and grandchildren, teaching them to know and love God as well as the value of education.
With his spiritual peace, he leaves a legacy of his strength, his love of family, spiritual devotion to God and fond memories for his children to cherish - Charles Glendon Stevens, of Greensboro, NC; Jacqueline Elizabeth Stevens Sanders, (David) of Charlotte, NC; Kenneth Laverne Stevens, ( Lunita) of Bowie, Maryland; Ronald Keith Stevens, (Charlene) of Clayton, NC; and Blanchie Machelle Stevens Speights, of Orlando, Florida; his grandchildren - Sherri Dianna Stevens (Bowie, MD), Jeremy Keith Stevens (Erica) of Cary, NC, Ian Stevens Sanders, (Tykisha) of Chattanooga, TN, Ashley Grant Stevens (Samantha) of Clayton, NC and Imani Sanders Samuels (Philemon) of Washington, DC; his great-grandchildren: Paz Nala Samuels, Anderson Nathan Sanders, Mariah Alexis Stevens, and Dillon Maurice Stevens.Others who remain with cherished memories are his sister-in-laws (Carolyn Stevens & Betty Morgan), nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Roland, one of the bright stars in the heavens and stalwart soldiers for the Lord, will be missed by many but his bright light will continue to shine as a result of his works and legacies

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday July 23, 2013 at 11:00 at First Missionary Baptist Church 403 East Caswell St. Smithfield,NC
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.(10:00am)