Brogie Stephenson, Jr.

On Tuesday, January 5, 2021, Brogie Stephenson, Jr. (84 years of age) was called home to be with his Heavenly Father. Although his work on earth is done, Brogie’s life in heaven has just begun. Brogie is gone from our touch but always in our hearts.

Brogie was born in Newsoms, VA on February 4, 1936, the only son from the union of Brogie and Inez Stephenson. He grew up in Portsmouth, VA and attended I.C. Norcom High School. In 1954, Brogie joined the United States Air Force. Following his military service, Brogie entered the Apprenticeship Program at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA in 1958 where he became one of the pioneers of his race. Brogie made many historic accomplishments at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. In 1966, he became the first African-American Leading Man (Foreman) in the sheet metal shop. In 1970, Brogie  became the first African-American Supervisor of Building Inspectors in the Public Works Department. In 1982, he became the first African-American Head of the Weight-Handling Equipment Inspection and Test Branch and he retired from that position at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1991. Prior to his illness, Brogie’s favorite past time was playing golf.

For 38 years, Brogie was a member of the New First Baptist Church Taylorsville in Portsmouth, VA., joining under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. Dr. T. Melvin Steele. Brogie served faithfully with the Male and Combined Ushers Ministries (former President/ Ministry Leader of both), a member of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee, a member of the 2002 Pastoral Search Committee and served on an in-house Audit Committee. He was honored for his service to the United States Armed Forces during the 2019 Veterans Day service at the service by the Men’s Ministry and recognized as the New First Baptist Church Taylorsville Senior-in-the-Spotlight in April 2015.

Brogie was preceded in death by his parents – Brogie and Inez Stephenson, two sisters- Eula Stephenson and Stephanie Woods and one daughter – Shelby Stephenson.

He leaves to cherish his memories a devoted spouse, best friend and caregiver – Sharon Stephenson; one son – Brogie Stephenson, III of Arizona; three daughters – Darcel Stephenson of Maryland, Tina Stephenson and Broganetter Edwards both of Virginia; one bonus son – Nicholas Clark of Virginia and one bonus daughter – Krystal Clark of Tennessee; two godsons – Khorvan Nelson and Christopher Williams; six sisters – Fannie Prunty, Agnes Stephenson, Ada Stephenson, Jocelyn Kingsbur, Debra Williams and Pastor Renee Lawrence; four brothers – Jerome DeBerry, Bobby DeBerry, Vernard Davis and Ward Stephenson; eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.