Irvin K. Stevens

Irvin Kenneth Stevens, best known as IK, was born October 1, 1946 in Charleston, South Carolina to Thomas and Elizabeth Stevens. He was the youngest of 4 siblings.

IK attended Immaculate Conception School of Charleston SC from Kindergarten through 12th grade. From the ages of 13-18 he worked at the local Bluestein's Menswear in downtown Charleston. He graduated in 1965 and enlisted in the US Navy. He did two tours during the Vietnam War from 1965-1969 and again from 1973-1975. In between tours he attended LA Tech where he studied Medical Billing. He would later use that training for his first civilian job as a Medical Records Clerk at John Wesley Hospital.

After his 2nd tour with the Navy he met Vicky Carpenter and her daughter Tavia. IK and Vicky married, and from that union, Shannon and Justin were born.

Later on, as a single father in the late 80s, IK met Barbara Davis and her children Dedriq and Rosa. IK and Barbara married in 1994 and together cherished a 25 year long union that contributed to his legacy as a husband, father, and grandfather.

IK proved to be the ultimate family guy. He did not believe the word step or half had any meaning when it came to family and he always had room in his heart for one more family member. While blending families, he never treated any of his children differently than the other. He was very supportive of his children's extra curricular activities and rarely missed an important event, performance or game.

His work ethic was unmatched. He worked 20 years for US West then worked another 10 with Precision Prehung Doors. He rarely would take any sick days. He retired when he was injured and could no longer work.

IK was a man of style, class, and dignity. He was loved by many among his neighborhood, community, family, and friends. He was a wise man, with a peaceful demeanor, indomitable spirit, and big heart. He took nothing for granted and cherished every thing that held importance to him. He was not a religious man perse but was a life long member at Morris Street Baptist Church of Charleston where he was baptized at the age of nine. It was easy to tell he had a personal relationship with God and the values he lived by and demonstrated were that of a Christian man. And several months before he passed, he confirmed that he dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. 

In the midnight hour of July 7th 2020 Irvin Kenneth Stevens lost a 19 month battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Elizabeth Stevens, brothers Thomas Jr. Stevens and Herbert Stevens. IK is survived by his wife Barbara Stevens, his children: Tavia Calhoun Whiting (Jerry), Shannon Stevens, Dedriq Trinide, Justin Stevens, Rosa Booker (Roderick), grandchildren: Frank, Bria'Onna, Quinton, DeVonne, Akim, Nieela, Osriq, Joshua, Ayana, and Emme Lee, sister: Naomi Guyton (Jimmie), nephews: Kevin and Derrick, niece: Shawn, and great nephews: Darien and Joseph DeVon, great niece: Jade Ashley, cousins: Robert and Elone Stevens, Karen and Nathan Harrison, Charlie and Bernice Stephens, plus a host of other nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, cousins and dear loved ones.

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