Stephen Jerome "Stezo" Williams, Sr.

Stephen Jerome “Stezo” Williams, born March 10, 1968 in New Haven, Connecticut was suddenly called home, April 29, 2020. He was the son of Deborah Williams Ferguson and the late James C. Williams.

To the world, Stephen was known as a multi-talented man in the industries of music, fashion, dance, cosmetology, and children’s entertainment. Anything he touched was a guaranteed success. Having travelled throughout the United States and abroad, Stephen was one of the pioneers of early Hip Hop. His debut single, “To the Max”, was the first sample and used in the legendary Skull Snaps beat on his song, “It’s My Turn”. Stephen started his musical career as a dancer for the Hip Hop group, EPMD in the late 1980s and very quickly moved into the role of Hip Hop artist.

As an entrepreneur, he founded, owned, and operated a successful barber shop, S & S Cuts, West Haven, Connecticut, for over twenty years. He recently launched S & S Cuts, Charlotte, prior to his death. As a young boy, Stephen was always doing something new, daring, innovative and trend setting. Whether he was performing gymnastic feats, designing clothing, or expressing his artistic talent through graffiti arts, Stephen was always leaving his mark on the world and a long-lasting impression on all whose paths he crossed.

As a son, Stephen adored his mother, Debbie, who he inherited his love for people and keen fashion sense. He often affectionately greeted her in an acapella ballad of, “Momma…Ohh, ohh, ohh”. He had a trademark smile and infectious laugh that he was known for. He inherited his artistic talent from his father, James. His father was stern and always expected the best from Stephen as he recognized his great potential and talent.

As a father, it was undeniable that he loved and adored his four children. Each one of them embodied some aspect of who he was. He worked tirelessly to ensure that his children’s dreams could be fulfilled by tapping into the many people he knew and resources available. He built miniature skate parks with his eldest son, Stevie. Configured aquariums with his son, Sean. Encouraged the musical talents of his daughter, Shaquanna, and cut hair side-by-side with his son, Jacqui.

As a big brother, there was not a better brother in the world than Stephen was to his three sisters: JoCelyn, Krystal and Jamila. To his little sister, Jo, he was amazing and protective. He was the kind of brother who made you laugh, sit, and watch karate movies. He made sure that they knew he was there to help them if they needed him.

Stephen was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Ethel Stewart; paternal grandmother, Evelyn Samuel; paternal uncles and aunt: Carl Samuel Sr., Clarence Samuel and Janice Samuel.

To cherish his memory, Stephen leaves his mother, Deborah F. Williams, New Haven, Connecticut; four children: Shaquanna Baldwin, Ansonia, Connecticut, Stevie Baldwin and Sean Williams, both of Charlotte, North Carolina and Jacqui Williams, Meriden, Connecticut; two beloved grandchildren; three sisters: JoCelyn (Jonathan) Roundtree, Kannapolis, North Carolina, Krystal Williams and Jamila Williams, both of New Haven; maternal aunts: Gloria  Stewart, Diane Stewart and Carol Stewart; maternal uncles: Anthony Stewart and Allen Stewart; paternal aunts: Gertrude (Jimmy) Brown, Christine Greene, Dorothy Roach, Ramona (Russell) Smith, Barbara Pitts, and Nancy Samuel; paternal uncles: Ronald Samuel and Randolph Samuel; four nieces; three nephews; a host of other relatives, close friends and former wife, Valorie Williams, who he shared thirty years of marriage.

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