Stephen J. Howard

Stephen J. Howard, age 62, of Elgin, IL, passed away on April 15, 2023. He was born February 11, 1961 in Chicago, IL to his loving parents, Steven Winbush and Jeanette Howard.

Stephen attended Calumet High School. He worked as a carpenter and a maintenance man.

Stephen and his wife, Cheryse, met in kindergarten when they were just five years old. They were happily married for 10 years, and loved each other more and more each day.

Stephen was hardworking, and in his spare time he enjoyed playing chess, and basketball. Loved ones will remember his big heart, and how he would help anyone in need, even giving the shirt off his back. He had the biggest smile. He just wanted to be happy, and wanted others to be happy, too.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Steven Winbush; son, Lil Steve; uncles, David, Arelle, Hank, Hubert, and Herbert; and brothers-in-law, Tommy Roberts, Tyris Jackson, and Herbert Lemon.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryse Lemon-Howard; mother, Jeannette Johnson; in-laws, Cordelia and Herbert Lemon; children, Byron (Crystal), Nadia, Nikki, Johnny, Cheniya, Cheron, Ronnie, and Teron; brother, Stanley (Michelle) Howard; sisters, Taffiany Johnson and Tiffany Johnson; sisters-in-law, Kim Roberts, Violet Evans, and Chiquita (Todd) Anderson; over 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Auntie Naum; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm via Zoom, with Rev. Willie Tate officiating. To access the service remotely, loved ones are encouraged to log on safe from home via Zoom.us (Meeting ID: 810 3663 3485, Password: 683742).

Interment will be private.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.

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