Family expenses & honorary scholarship fund

This GOFUNDME has been set up by request of the Pine Grove Youth Group in order to help support the family as they need it. This cause is fully supported by Pastor John Holmes, Russell Graham and Andy Graham.

On Friday Jan 13, Stephen left to return to Baylor to begin a new semester of school. While he was home he had the opportunity to visit with so many family and friends, but was very much looking forward to getting back to school and getting back to his regular routine. He was so proud to be driving back on his own for the second time since attending Baylor. He told his family of his plans of how he was happy to go back to his regular routine and how he would do a rough walk through of all his classes before beginning on Monday so that he will be fully prepared.

Saturday morning he spoke with his family after taking a short rest before continuing on his way back to school, for the last time. Stephen’s father Paul called to check on Stephen and to see if he was almost back to school as he should have been. However, a police officer answered the phone to let them know Stephen had been in a serious car accident. Stephen’s parents immediately rushed to the airport to get tickets to get to Texas.

While waiting on their flight, they were informed by the doctor at Good Shepard Hospital in Marshall, Texas that Stephen had in-fact not survived the accident but had passed away instead. While the medical team at that hospital had done everything in their power to save his life, it was not enough. The Lord had decided that it was Stephen’s time and his work on earth would be done.

While Stephen’s family was not completely unprepared financially for this tragedy, there has been many expenses that have come along with the unexpected death of a child. This fund was created because of the Pine Grove Youth Group wanting to honor Stephen as many of them have grown up with him. The money raised will be used for any expense the family feels like it is appropriate to be covered with, and will be handled responsibly.

One thing Stephen thought to be of utmost importance was his education. In fact, just Friday night before heading back he told his Grandma he had no need to buy a lottery ticket, because even if he won millions, his school work was more important than driving back to cash a winning ticket in. Stephen always put his education and studying first whether that meant missed events, practically no sleep, or overcoming anything else that got in the way. All money not needed for his family will be used as a scholarship fund. His parents intend for the scholarship to be given to a math or science major, including someone who is attending a school out of state. This is especially important, because Stephen faced the hardship of being rewarded many scholarships due to him attending an out of state university. Because of Stephen’s hard work and his overachieving attitude, he will be rewarded a bachelors degree in mathematics just 2.5 years into college.

Stephen was a beacon of light for his family and all around him from the moment he entered the world until he was called to his forever home in Heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ. He had a heart made of gold and was always willing to help anyone do what needed to be done. He was a devout Catholic and a member of St James Catholic Church, where he was an usher at the age of 13. He also enjoyed attending Pine Grove Baptist Church and was proud to be a member of that community. You could always find him wearing the armor of God no matter the day. He was always willing to tell anyone about Jesus and His gift of salvation. Stephen was always ready to persevere through any difficulty or hardship. He had a fighting spirit and was determined to do whatever he was doing to the best of his ability. He would have no acceptance of anything that was not done the correct way. His life was a reflection of that in so many ways, from his long list of academic achievements, to caring for his family in whatever way was needed, to being a great friend for many. Despite the magnificence of all his accomplishments he remained humble, and often begged his family to not be boastful of his greatness. To say he was a brilliant, beautiful soul, is not saying enough. He will be missed beyond belief, but all who knew him will be forever changed for the good.