The Savannah community is continuing to remember Representative Mickey Stephens.
Stephens (D- Savannah) died this weekend after battling an illness for several years.
“To Gloria he was a husband, to Karlis and Edward Jr. he was a father. To thousands he was a teacher, coach, to residents of the 165 house district, he was their champion in the Georgia dome,” said Savannah Mayor Van Johnson at his news conference Monday.
Stephens got his start at the statehouse in 2002 and was re-elected 12 years later.
“His legacy and advocacy on behalf of young people and his constituents will always be remembered and cherished by our city,” said Johnson.
Long-time colleague and fellow member of the Chatham County delegation, Representative Carl Gilliard (D- Garden City) honored Stephens with a moment of silence at a separate news conference Monday.
“He was the person that was cohesion in our delegation to hold us to the fire. If he wanted to stand on something he stood on it, and if he didn’t, he didn’t,” said Gilliard.
Rep. Stephens' public service inside the statehouse was matched with service to the Savannah community.
The Savannah-native taught at multiple schools in the Hostess City. He coached for Savannah High School and served on the Savannah Chatham County Board of Public Education.
“Representative Stephens championed the millions of dollars that came to Savannah State University... he was the cheerleader for Savannah State,” said Gilliard.
As his collages from around Georgia remember his legacy, they’re also remembering the lessons Stephens taught them.
“He just taught me to be true to who I was. There will never be a gentleman from the 165, a champion, like Representative Mickey Stephens. There won't be,” said Gilliard.
House minority leader James Beverly (D-Macon) released the following statement on the passing of Rep. Stephens:
"Words cannot express the profound loss that the Georgia House Democratic Caucus feels with the passing of Mickey Stephens. He was a dear friend, leader and faithful public servant for the people of Savannah and the state of Georgia. Our deepest condolences and prayers go to Gloria and his family. He will truly be missed."