Kimye Adeline Stephenson

A LIFE WELL LIVED

One of the few advantages of being born the eldest child of Tally and Jeanette Stepherson was that I was the Boss. I made my grand entrance into this world on November 7, 1942, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Three years later, my brother Ronald B. Stepherson, who has since gone on before me, was born. Then came my ride-or-die, my Ace Boon Coon, my sister Jeanette Stepherson Williams. And last—but never quiet—my baby sister Lydia Stepherson, affectionately nicknamed by my nurses as my “Big Mouth” sister.

From the beginning, I kept a close eye on all three of them, making it crystal clear: I was in charge. Me. Period.

I attended Roosevelt High School in West Palm Beach, where let’s just say—I turned heads. Right, left, sometimes all the way around. It couldn't be helped.

After graduating, life surprised me in the best way—with the birth of my greatest gift, my handsome son, Shawn Triandos Seymore. I always told him, if he were a girl, his name would’ve been Dawn. Lucky for him, he turned out to be Shawn. He later married my lovely daughter-in-law, Marisol Seymore, and together they carried on the legacy of love.

I did a little “living life” — made moves to Washington, D.C., then Baltimore, Maryland, and finally California. But no matter how far I roamed, my heart brought me back home to Riviera Beach, Florida—sweet, sweet home. Back home, I stepped in to help raise my nieces and nephews: Jovonne T. White (Kuala), Kym J. Haines, and Armand J. Haines. It was work, but it was love.

My son Shawn didn’t just give me joy—he gave me grandbabies: Brandon C. Seymore (Stacy), Kyle T. Seymore (who also predeceased me), Jazmin C. Stepherson, and Khorricke Jayralle Seymore—who knew better than to show up without my pound cake! And my great-grandchildren? Brandon, Jr., Jordan, Cherish, Kylie, and Kylen — picture-perfect enough to be on a postcard.

Let’s not forget my nieces and nephews—each one a treasure. Karen Stepherson, whose voice I was always glad to hear. My sweetie pie, Yolanda B. Davis (Anthony)—people swore she looked more like me than her own mama! I had to keep reminding Anthony not to go around telling folks I was making “crack”—they’d get too jealous. But let’s clear it up now: my “crack” was my Sweet Potato Pie. Family Famous. One bite and you were hooked for life.

I was blessed with a whole lineup of beautiful, bold, and brilliant family: my nephews James Williams, Jason Davis, and Anthony Davis Jr. My gorgeous, model-ready niece Jaia Davis, my Dollar Store and Mexican restaurant buddy. And my dazzle queens, Jennifer Davis, Dominique Stepherson, and so many more.

To those who hold a special place in my heart—Yvonne, JoVonne Jr., Malaysia, Ahlayjah, and Triandos White, and my Third Street Crew: Promise, Sparkle, Treasure Haines, and Jayden Haines—thank you for always being part of my joy.

I never rolled alone. I always had my girl gang—Rachel Koon, Juanita Brown, Evelyn Ratlieff—and Lamario Ratlieff, who always had my back.

I have so many loved family and friends, who shared love and life with me.

To my family: thank you for the love, the laughter, and the life we shared. Keep turning heads. Keep telling stories. And whatever you do—keep passing on the “Crack.”

Love always,

The Boss