Stephen Franklin Beasley

​Stephen Franklin Beasley was born the 7th of 8 children to Stephen Buchanan Beasley and Rebecca Lucille (Haskins) Beasley on December 22, 1936 in Orange, NJ.  He was a graduate of Orange High School.  After graduation he joined the United States Navy and served during the Korean War.  Once his military service ended, Stephen returned home, met and married Janet Marie (Satterfield) Beasley (deceased), also of Orange, NJ on February 4, 1961.  Stephen, affectionately called "Breeze" by his closest friends, would father six children -- Robin Sonalia, Toya Lynn, Stephen Michael, Donna Marie (deceased), Brian Keith and Derrick Deshaun.

Stephen worked for United Airlines at Newark NJ Airport and advanced to Captain of the Sky Caps.  Thru the years, Stephen became and entrepreneur, partnering with his best friend, Wade Dawkins, opening a convenience store named "Beakins Services" on Central Avenue in his hometown of East Orange, NJ.  He owned and operated Beakins Services for more than 15 years.

Stephen truly loved his family, and never strayed far from the fold.  As a child he would spend many summers on the family farm in Appomattox, VA.  Stephen was also known as a "Sporting-man" he could be found on a sunny Saturday afternoon enjoying the competitive horse racing industry with some of  his family and friends.

Owed to his big smile, warm heart and readiness to greet people each time he saw them Stephen possessed such an infectious personality that people naturally gravitated toward him.  He was truly the life of the party who moved to the beat of his own drum.  Indeed, if any thing is to be said about Stephen it's that he loved, he laughed, and he lived.  Above all, Stephen was a family man who gave generously and loved unconditionally.  He loved life and he loved living life with the people he loved most.

Stephen leaves behind his children Robin Sonalia (Wynn), Toya Lynn, Stephen Michael (Donna), Brian Keith (Brenda) and Derrick Deshaun; and brothers Ivan Randolph and Wade Dawkins.  Stephen was POP POP to Keith Amir, Katrina Alia, Sean Michael, Khaliah Nicole, Deshauna Marie, Kaylani Abbey and Wynter Jasmine; great-grandchildren Chance Xavier, Shaylce Marie and Shaniyah Donna; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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