Stephen Dennis Wilson

Stephen Dennis Wilson, 62, of Charlotte, NC, was called to Glory on Sunday, September 14, 2025, following a brief illness. His journey on this earth was one defined by love, compassion, humor, and an unwavering devotion to his family. His passing leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of those who knew him, yet his spirit remains a bright and steady light in their memories.

Born on October 29, 1962, Stephen was the beloved son of the late Dennis Wilson and Marcia Garcia Wilson of the Bronx, New York. He is also preceded in death by his grandmother, Violet Chapman Garcia; aunt Myra Garcia Henry; uncle Emil Garcia III; aunt Jean Garcia; cousin Emil Joseph Garcia, stepfather Eugene M. Paw Sr and stepbrother Eugene M. Paw Jr. Their reunion in Glory is surely filled with joy.

He leaves his devoted wife of 32 years, Valerie Whitfield‑Wilson, the woman he proudly called “my wife for life”; his son Xavier A. Wilson of Pineville, NC; his daughters Jaliz M. Wilson of Durham, NC, Essence I. Wilson of Charlotte, NC, and Lolah James of Baltimore, MD. He is also survived by his brother Thomas J. Wilson of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; his sisters Laura M. Wilson of Tampa, FL, Kelli E. Wilson of the Bronx, NY, and Tara A. Wilson of Nashville, TN; his stepbrother David Paw, Queens, NY; his niece Ebony Wilson; nephews Joseph and Robert Wilson, and Malik James; a wide and loving circle of family and friends; and a cherished friend, Oveda Scott. Each of them carries a piece of Stephen’s heart and humor within them.

Stephen grew up in the Bronx, New York, where the pulse of the city shaped his early passions. A proud graduate of South Bronx High School, he fell in love with the rapping and DJing scene by age sixteen. Known then as “Jazzy,” he lit up local block parties—hosting, performing, and soaking in the rhythm of a culture that spoke to his soul. He later attended S.U.N.Y. at New Paltz and went on to build a career across customer service, tech, and security. His true professional joy came from his work as a Data Center Technician, a role he embraced with passion and skill.

Stephen’s love story began on January 11, 1989, at an after‑work karaoke gathering — a night that changed everything. From the moment he met Valerie, the rest really was history. Their bond was magnetic, joyful, and unshakeable. They married on September 11, 1993, built a life in Bergenfield, NJ, and eventually made their home in the Charlotte, NC area in 2006, filling it with memories, laughter, and the kind of partnership people admire.

Stephen lived life with contagious joy. He loved grilling and chilling, cheering on his Giants, Knicks, and Yankees (win or lose), battling anyone bold enough to challenge him in Scrabble, vibing to rap music, reading, traveling, and sharing a good laugh. He was sporty, stylish, and sentimental — the kind of man whose closet held treasures from the 1980s because every piece told a story. A true foodie, he relished restaurants, family gatherings, and any moment that brought people together. When the music hit, he could dance with the best of them, often becoming the spark that lit up the room.

But nothing meant more to him than family. His children were his pride, his joy, his heart. Being a big brother was a role he carried with honor — protective, loyal, and always ready to stand up for his siblings. Steve didn’t play about his family! To know him was to know a man who loved deeply, laughed loudly, dressed sharply, ate well, and cussed freely simply because it amused him. Stephen was a fun‑loving, food‑loving, good‑time‑having, die‑hard New Yorker. His presence was bold, his laughter contagious, and his love unmistakable. He will be missed beyond measure.

Your troubles in this world are done, Stephen. Rest easy. “Kisses to your forehead.” We love you.