Vondese Stephens

Born on February 2, 1972, in Walterboro, South Carolina, Vondese affectionally called "Desi by his family and friends) grew up surrounded by love. Although born to Veronica Woods and Willie Granison, he was raised by Rebecca Taylor Hassell (Herbert) in Jersey City, NJ before moving at the age of 14 to Rochester, NY. He went on to secure his Bachelor and Maste's degrees in Healthcare Management, dedicating his life to service as a member of the United States Navy Reserve as a Corpsman and in civilian life, acting as a servant leader in healthcare working for Novant Health, American Red Cross, Biomat and most recently Greene County Healthcare (Greenville, NC). as a Practice Manager. Desi was admired for being a humble man with a caring nature and quiet spirit by nearly everyone he met and worked alongside.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Desi enjoyed traveling with his "Girls", cheering on his favorite football team - the Las Vegas Raiders, and going to the beach, while finding joy in grilling at home and frying turkeys for his family, co-workers and neighbors at Thanksgiving.

Known also for his kindness and loyalty to friends and family, Desi had a remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel valued and loved.

Desi shared a beautiful life with his wife, Cynthia, for 24 years, and together they built a family full of love. He is survived by his wife, two daughters (Ashlan and Tirza), mother (Veronica Woods - Rochester, NY), brother (Trevor Stephens - Rochester, NY), adopted brother (Stephen Conception (Danica) - Jersey City, NJ), brother-in-law (Cecil Williams (Ethel) - Jackson, MS), niece (Kristen Williams), nephew Evan Stephens), and a host of half-siblings (Riverdale, GA and Phenix City, AL), His family meant everything to him, and he took immense pride in their achievements and happiness.

Though he is no longer with us, Desi's legacy of love, strength, and kindness will continue nurture fond memories in our hearts!

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