John Henry Stephens, Jr.

John Henry Stephens  Jr.  (IV)  was born  October 28, 1959,  in Birmingham,  Alabama, the beloved son of John Henry Stephens, Sr. and the late Doris Jackson Stephens.  He departed this earthly life on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

John attended Phillip High School, from which he graduated in 1979.  During his tenure there he participated in JROTC for 4 years and held the position of Company Commander for 2 years, he was member of the Carpentry Club for 4 years, and in a High School Greek Organizations for 3 years. 

After graduating, John entered into the United States Army.  He was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Loretta Montgomery on March 17, 1983, and they shared forty-two wonderful years together.  John believed that Loretta was a blessing from God, and they raised three (3) children together. They traveled the world together due to his commitment to the US Army and ended up settling in Columbia, SC in 2018.  John was a dedicated member of Prince Hall Masonry, an organization with the primary principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth.

He earned his associate degree in Mechanical Engineering while in the military and retired in 1999 after twenty-three ½ years of service to his country.

During his time in the service he was deployed in several wars including the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Egypt and other locations during war time. After retiring he worked as a Car Salesman, Insurance Agent and then as a Contractor for companies providing services overseas until 2018. John enjoyed working with his hands, he would often work on cars, home projects, and bikes. One of his favorite hobbies was riding around finding old junk bikes, fixing them up, giving them to kids or selling them. He had several “hustles” as a kid as well, his first jobs were at age 6 years old, he delivered  newspapers, shined shoes and cut grass for neighbors. John enjoyed spending time with his family.  As an adult he loved working in his yard/garden, cooking on the grill and sharing stories about his military experience and life. John learned a lot while being overseas about different cultures and beliefs; he enjoyed sharing what he learned with his loved ones. He was caring, always willing to lend a hand to those in need and he loved to give advice and encouragement to others. John enjoyed dancing, cracking jokes and was often the life of the party. He was very outgoing and enjoyed entertaining.

In addition to his mother, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Stephens Sr.

John is lovingly survived by his wife, Loretta Montgomery Stephens of Columbia SC;  children, Simone (Cory) Reeves, Krystal Stephens, and John Henry Stephens Jr. (V)  all of Charlotte NC;  father, John Henry Stephens Sr. (III) of Birmingham, AL; sisters, Debra (Alvin) Hendricks of Jacksonville, NC,  Makeda Tchaas and  Sarah Shepard Smith, both of Birmingham, AL; grandson, Astin Samir Reeves of Charlotte, NC; granddaughter, Au’Blossom Johnae Stephens of Columbia, SC; brother-in-law, George (Gayle) Montgomery of Columbia, SC;  and sister-in-law, Threnia Montgomery Scott of Fayetteville, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Henry Stephens, Jr., please visit our floral store.