Cecil A. Stephens

Cecil Alexander Stephens was born on August 9th, 1940. He was also known as “Jake” (as he was called by many) was born in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Guyana (West Indies, South America). He lived there with his dad and his Aunt Doris, until his early teenage years. After his dad’s death, Jake and his aunt moved to Vreedenhoop (which is across the Demerara river), from Georgetown, which is the capital city of Guyana. Almost immediately, he started visiting his brother’s and their families for weekends, spending a lot of this time with his brother Ivelaw and family. During this time, Jake permanently moved in with his brother Ivelaw and siblings, as his aunt migrated to England. Jake, (properly, Cecil Alexander Stephens) was the second born child of a nine-sibling family. Jake was born to his father and mother, Olga Bacchus. His oldest brother was Vernon, (currently in the U.K.), then Jake was born second, followed by brothers Ivan, Ivelaw, Basil (expired 1977), their only sister, Tesla, followed by brothers Orrin (expired 1980), Terrence, and lastly Steve. Jake is survived by siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews across the world, residing in Guyana, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Jake’s 1980 migration to the United States of America, (New York City, Brooklyn) was with his former wife, Merlene and their three daughters, Abigail, Alicia, & Judy, (“Kat”). He is survived by eldest daughter, Denise, followed by stepdaughters Donnette (expired, 2018), and Karen; and three youngest daughters, Abigail, Alicia, and Judith. Jake is survived by four daughters, three son-in-laws, and ten grandchildren. Jake could be found watching ESPN, the BBC, and was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed football (the Caribbean kind), cricket, and New York baseball teams. He was a proud New Yorker, no matter where he was, often found wearing a Yankees cap. He often enjoyed a non-alcoholic champagne cola, brown stew chicken, oxtail, and his beloved beef patties (the Guyanese and Jamaican kind). He had many friends, and was a gregarious person, often being the life of the party. He was also very stylish and took pride in his wardrobe and appearance. During his transition to America, Jake worked hard and tirelessly in the community at hospitals across the New York City borough of Queens, and later in Orlando, Florida across the Orlando public school district (and Orange County Sheriff’s Office) as a beloved school crossing guard. His professional life was filled with service, and his personal life was filled with new opportunities and second chances to experience life. Jake worked hard to rise against life’s challenges, meeting his dear wife Rosalee, who he is survived by. They shared many years together in New York, and then finally in Orlando, Florida, where he eventually retired. He shared his life in Florida with Rosalee, and his stepdaughters, Theresa, Michelle, and Marian and was surrounded by a loving and vibrant Caribbean community in Florida, and colleagues who enjoyed a hearty laugh with him. Jake’s last day was January 25, 2025. He fell ill and fought valiantly until then. It is with gratitude and positivity, to all who cared for Jake, Cecil Alexander Stephens in the last of his life. He will never be forgotten by those who loved and cared for him, because he mattered to many, and was a Child of God.

Cecil A. Stephens

August 9, 1940 - January 25, 2025