Sen. Jackson: The death of Rep. Mickey Stephens is the death of a community 'warrior'

This is an op-ed by State Sen. Lester Jackson (D-Savannah). He has served in the Georgia General Assembly since 1999.

Savannah lost a great friend of this community a few days ago. The passing of State Rep. Mickey Stephens will deny our city and county his passionate leadership. We can all recognize the work that he did in the schools where he taught, the teams he coached, his service on the Savannah-Chatham County School Board and his many years of service as a state representative. 

But what we also lost was a warrior.   

The passion that my friend brought to his daily life and to his community will be hard to replace. It was a passion for protecting our children and guiding them in their evolution to adults. It was a passion for fighting against legislation that undermines the values that all people are created equal and bringing needed resources and tax dollars back to Chatham County, especially in economically deprived areas of Savannah. 

His leadership and work ethic in the halls of the Georgia General Assembly was legendary to those of us who served with him.   

Mickey was a gregarious man with many talents. Sitting with him in delegation meetings, he was the conscience of the delegation. What I will miss in those meetings is his warmth, his exuberance and his high wattage smile. He was a friend to all and rarely saw the malice of fellow legislators as he worked to speak up for or speak out against legislation.   

My thoughts and prayers go out to Gloria, his wife of many years, as well as the entire Stephens family. They lost a husband, father and role model. My heart also goes out to the greater Savannah area as we have all lost a warrior and a friend who gave us his best on so many fronts. His leadership and love for our community will be missed.