Ronald Walker "Lefty" Stephenson

In Loving Memory of

Ronald Walker "Lefty" Stephenson

Ronald Walker "Lefty" Stephenson was born on May 13, 1947, in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late James and Emmaline A. Stephenson. As the youngest of five children, he proudly reminded his siblings that he was "the baby." Throughout his life, Ronald embodied the values of love, family, service, and community, leaving an enduring legacy that will forever be cherished.

Ronald received his early education at Smith Elementary School, Barrett Junior High School, and South Philadelphia High School. Following graduation, he attended Cheyney State College (now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania), where he met the love of his life, Cassandra "Sandy" Anderson.

Their love story became one of the family's favorites. While traveling back to Cheyney from South Philadelphia, Ronald asked one of Sandy’s sorority sisters if he stood a chance with her. She teasingly replied that he would have to spend more time in the library if he wanted to catch Sandy's attention. Taking her advice to heart, Lefty and Sandy soon found themselves studying together. Their friendship blossomed into a love that would last a lifetime, and they graduated together in 1969.

On July 4, 1969, Lefty and Sandy were united in holy matrimony, beginning a beautiful marriage built on love, faith, friendship, and unwavering devotion. Together they raised two sons, Ronald Walker Stephenson II and Keino Kenyatta Stephenson, who became the pride and joy of his life.

Ronald devoted 28 years to the School District of Philadelphia as an educator. Throughout his career, he inspired and mentored generations of students in South Philadelphia, earning their respect through his compassion, humor, patience, wisdom, and genuine commitment to their success. His influence reached far beyond the classroom, and many continued to remember him long after graduation.

After retiring together at the age of 55, Lefty and Sandy embraced the opportunity to travel the world and enjoy more time with their family. While living in Palm Coast, Florida, he and his wife became members of the African American Cultural Society and the NAACP. Although his travels introduced him to people from every corner of the globe, whenever someone asked where he was from, Ronald would proudly proclaim, "I'm from South Philly!"

Above all else, Ronald treasured his family. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. Whether sharing stories, laughter, or simply enjoying each other's company, he made everyone feel loved and valued.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, James and Emmaline Stephenson; his brother, James M. Stephenson; and his sisters, Gwendolyn A. Blount and Martha L. Burwell.

He leaves to celebrate and cherish his life: his devoted wife of 57 years, Cassandra "Sandy" Stephenson; his beloved sister, Catherine Z. Jasper; his sons, Ronald Walker Stephenson II (Nygai) and Keino Kenyatta Stephenson (Katrina); grandchildren, Amir Walker Stephenson, Ronald Walker Stephenson III, Robert Daniel Stephenson, Xavier Joshua Stephenson, Cameran Elijah Stephenson, and Maya Samone Millsape.

He also leaves a loving legacy through his many nieces and nephews, as he was affectionately called, Uncle Ronnie: Jazmar Anderson, Makia Anderson, James, Diane, Steve, Ronald B., John, Karen, Gerald, Margaret, Linda, Tahira, Deborah, Leonard, Octavia, Earlene, Earl, Kareem, Rashid, Khalid, Dionne, Ron-Shanita, Malika, Imani, Ronald Derek, Zahir, Shareef, Khalil, Quameer, Rashaad, Kyree, Nadine, James, Janayva, Trebor, Raheem, Latifa, Hassan, Jamal, Léja, Malik, Octavius, Salena, Jordan, Andria, Leonard Jr., Cinquetta, Keyon, Anthony, Terrence, Samira, Kayla; along with a host of cousins, extended family members, dear friends, former students, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing him.

Though his earthly journey has ended, Ronald's legacy of love, education, integrity, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew him. His wisdom, unwavering pride in South Philadelphia, and his steadfast love for those closest to him will forever remain in our hearts.

I’m from South Philly!

Power to the People!