Stephen F. Hill, Sr

Stephen Floyd Hill, Sr. was born on July 7, 1970, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the first of two children born to Carolyn Hill and the late George “Bernard” Mills. Coach Steve, as he was affectionately known, crossed over to the side on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 6:35 pm. He is gone to a place where he will have everlasting peace and happiness. On September 3, 1990, he met the love of his life Shelley Cooper and was married on July 7, 1995. From this union they were blessed with three beautiful children., Tershell, Stephen, Jr, And Amara. Steve’s love for football began at eight years old, playing with Pop Warner and Gardenville, where his passion for teamwork and championships took root. A proud graduate of Lake Clifton Eastern High School (Class of 89’) Steve went on to further his education at Cheyney and Coppin State Universities, majoring in Early childhood Development. Throughout his life, Steve wore many hats educator, mentor, lifeguard, coach, and community leader. He poured is heart into helping youth, co reviving Gardenville Athletics JoHann and Pierre woods, and the late CoCo. Steve later founded Bright Future mentoring School Services. For over 20 years, he dedicated himself to guiding young lives, even returning to his alma mater to support students alongside Coach Money and coach Tree. Steve was a fixture in Baltimore’s youth development, respected for his compassion, vision, and unwavering belief in second chances. He treated every child like his own, becoming a father figure to many. A man of faith and resilience, Steve met life’s challenges with determination and purpose. He believed every door was God’s way of opening a better one a brief that led him into impactful work with Global Health Care Systems, advocating for life changing therapeutic services Steve accepted Christ early in life and faithfully served at the Historic Saint Paul community Baptist church as a trustee and leader. He also helped launch the boys to men mentoring program. Further cementing his legacy of service. He life was a testament to selflessness, love and enduring faith always striving to uplift others and light the way toward a brighter future. In October 2020, his health began to decline, yet through it all, he remained humble. Even as physical difficulties mounted, he never lost his quiet strength, his sensor of humor, or his deep love for those around him. Steve will be remembered for his unwavering, unconditional tough love a love that shaped and supported those fortunate enough to know him. It’s a love that will truly and deeply be missed. Though he is no longer with us, he is now in a place of peace. Preceding Steve in death is his father, Bernard Mills. Steve leaves to cherish his memory and to continue his legacy, his devoted wife Shelley, his beloved children Tershell (Ryan), Stephen Jr, and Amara (Martuise), three grandchildren; Riyann, Harlem, and A ‘Lyra; his loving mother Carolyn Mills, one sister Carla Mills – Brown, his best only niece Tayla Brown, faithful cousins Rod Braxton and Floyd Dean IV, two best friends and brothers Terry Gilchrist and Alfonce Powell; and a host of other family and friends

Tributes

Stephen F. Hill, Sr

July 7, 1970 - October 3, 2025