Benjamin F. Steven

BENJAMIN FREDERICK “BUTCH” STEVEN was born on May 21, 1955 in Far Rockaway, NY, and was adopted by Alberta and Murphy Parker. As a toddler, he moved to the 800 Block of North Bentalou Street in Baltimore, MD, where he was raised under the loving care of his grandmother Eunice and her sister Lenora Parker. He was soon joined by cousins Shawn, Christopher and Chiari. He attended James Mosher Elementary School and Calverton Junior High School, and later graduated from Baltimore City College, Class of 1974. Butch was an athletic, talented young man who enjoyed sports, singing and participating in the Boy Scouts – honors and direction that would show him his future paths and purpose. He especially loved butter pecan ice cream or anything with pecans. His passions in life were God, music, basketball, video games and family. He faithfully sang in the St. Mark’s Institutional Baptist Church Choir and enjoyed making music with his dear friend Sammie Warren and his wife Pamela. Following graduation, Benjamin began working at Bethlehem Steel company in the 1970’s. During this time, while playing basketball at Cloverdale/BBA and for V-103 radio station, and after a brief marriage, he entered into a long term relationship with Ruby Courtney, the mother of his two sons Jamin and Devin, joining their brother Thomas Briggs in the household. Ben joined the Swingsations R&B group and graduated from broadcasting school while pursuing his entertainment and music passions, becoming a radio personality with Radio ONE, working in promotions. Later, he joined the Resurrection gospel group, actively performing with both groups until his transition. Benjamin is survived by: his daughter, Latarsha Stewart; sons, Jamin and Devin Steven; grandchildren, Dennis Bunch, Malachi and Deyon Steven and Jersie Jordan; cousins, Shawn Wezet, Chiari Johnson and Ruby Jacobs; and a host of other relatives, friends and beloved teammates and bandmates. Butch’s life was a model of humility, compassion and kindness. His legacy is his faith, his family and the joy and love he brought to those around him. Though he is with the Lord, his memory and spirit will remain with us forever!!

Tributes

Benjamin F. Steven

May 21, 1955 - May 7, 2026