Earl B. Stevenson

The Love you gave is something that no one can explain, It was made o deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain.It was endless and unselfish and enduring come what may,And death cannot destroy it, or take that love away.Earl Bernard Stevenson, better known as Earl the Pearl, was born June 20, 1967 to Arnold and Yvette Stevenson in Baltimore, Maryland. He quietly departed this life on Wednesday, February 5, 2003.Earl received his academic education in the Howard County Public Schools. He attended Scaggsville School and graduated from Cedar Lane School in Columbia in 1988. Earl looked forward to reuniting with lifelong friends at the annual school reunion.On September 25, 1985 Earl, along with his brother Tony, was baptized at First Baptist Church of Guilford. He took great joy in waking his father each Sunday at 7:00 a.m. to attend the 8:00 a.m. church service.Without the assistance of an alarm clock, Earl started each day at 6:00 a.m. His self-appointed responsibility was to watch the weather. Earl routinely reported weather conditions to family and friends. That was just one of Earl’s act of love for that day. Each precious day ended at 9:00 p.m. Between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Earl spent every second giving his all and all, modeling a strong work ethic and spreading love and joy.Earl’s places of employment were arranged by the ARC of Howard County and tardiness for work was out of the question; therefore, he rose religiously at 6:00 and by 7:00 a.m. he was ready to be picked up by his van. Earl presently was employed by Scientific Specialties. A job was more a responsibility. It was a time to develop relationships. He radiated when discussing the various places he had worked such as Friendly, Woodward & Lothrop, Howard County Public Schools, Roy Rogers and Kohl’s and Super Fresh, Earl never forgot the names of people with whom he had worked and enjoyed reunions with them. He loved and was loved in return. This love became quite evident in 1995 when in and audience of hundreds and to the pleasure and pride of his parents and family, Earl Bernard Stevenson received a standing ovation when named Citizen of the Year by the ARC of Howard County.Upon entering the door from work, Earl immediately called his grandparents and close family members. His love for family and a special relationship with his late brother, Tony, was never ending. Earl remembered every family special event and relished attending them with his parents. Whether by car, train or plane, Earl enjoyed the family reunions; however, this year’s family reunion was extra special. Earl had his first plane ride and the opportunity to visit with his brother Tony’s best friend Robert Moon, and his family in Atlanta, Georgia. Earl acknowledged periods of absence from being in his presence and was determined to catch up on lost time. I was because of this love that Earl became known as the “family detective”. He delved until each and every question was answered and would converse with family and friends of all ages. The conversation ended only when all his questions were answered before 9:00 p.m. Everyone knew that at 9:00 p.m. brought closure to Earl’s day. No amount of coaxing could persuade Earl to stay up any longer.He had to rest up for his next day of love.For relaxation, Earl participated in a variety of events for Special Olympics: basketball, swimming, and track and field. He also kept track of his collection of baseball hats. He had well over a hundred caps obtained from both purchases and as gifts from friends. Earl could tell you who gave him each hat and why that hat was special to him.The highlight of every day for Earl was spending time with his mother and father. There was no trip, whether going to the store, attending events, or leaving town, that was too short or too long. Frequently during these family outings, people would yell out “Hey, Earl”, Earl made an impression on people wherever he went. Therefore, because of his numerous jobs, family excursions, or just being around town, people came up to greet Earl. To know Earl, was to love Earl and receive love in return.Earl leaves to reflect on his life of love: devoted parents, Arnold and Yvette Stevenson; grandparents, Miller and Mattie Stevenson and Arthur Woodford; seven aunts, Yvonne Cunion, Deborah Whitaker, Sheila Woodford, Rayna Woodford, Shenetta Bowling and Sheltise Woodford; six uncles, Montel Cunion, Ryland Whitaker, Dudley Stevenson, Arthur Woodford, Jr., Robert Bowling and Jason Woodford; a host of great aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Earl B. Stevenson

June 20, 1967 - February 5, 2003