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Obituaries
Elliott Mariko Stevens
Elliott Mariko Stevens was born on January 26, 1959, and transitioned to her eternal home on October 19, 2021. Elliott, Mariko, or Rio, depending on when and how you knew her, was born in Washington D.C. to Elliott Edward Stevens, Sr. and Helen Joyce Stevens. She was primarily educated by the New York City school system and the streets of New York – where the city’s subway system and free spirit took her from the Bronx to Manhattan, Brooklyn to Queens and Long Island.
Her love of the city’s cultural events, concerts, ballet, plays, and restaurants made her a true New Yorker. Mariko never met a stranger and because of that, she was able to establish many long-lasting friendships and relationships with the most unlikely people.
Her career in the insurance industry allowed her to care for and help many in need. She loved to travel and curate her eclectic style through many hours spent in her sanctuary, the thrift store.
She was dedicated to her Christian faith. Known as Evangelist Stevens, she fearlessly shared the word of God from the church house to the jailhouse. Her love was deep and wide-reaching, and she was ever-present for her family and dearest friends. Though she never had children of her own, she wore her love of her nieces, nephews, and godchildren as her crowned jewels.
Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Helen J. Stevens, father, Elliott Edward Stevens, Sr., sister, Vicky Lewis, brother in love, Audley Lewis, sister-in-law, Pamela White, brother, Elliott Stevens, Jr. (Chaunta), nephews, Dan’nail White (Jessica), Donavyn Lewis (Lyric), and Ethan Lewis, nieces Chascydy Smith (Franklin), Dayna Lewis, Sarah White, Cydny Lewis (Roland), and Jada Stevens, godchildren, Robert Bruin, Kristen Mariko King, Cameron Riddic, and her beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601. The CDC highly recommends masks for inside gatherings. Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home.
8 Comments
I am truly sadden by the lost of my sweet friend & co-worker. I will cherish all the fun memories we had in the office. My love and condolences to the Family and friends of this sweet & feisty soul. Fly with Angels mama! You will truly be missed!
Your Laugh Will Be Missed
You will be missed Auntie Rico!! ❤❤😥😥
You will be missed I will always remember that smile and the way you called me cousin Lena then the big hug.
I will always remember your warmth and love you gave me. Was truly a mother figure.
Rest In Peace, my beautiful friend.
I will miss you! My deepest condolences to the family💝🌺
I met Mariko(Elliott) many, many moons ago, in the summer of 1976, at Sloans Supermarket. The moment I met her I was instantly drawn to her in a magical way. It was like “She has to be my girlfriend” then the next moment “She has to be my wife” lol
That was the most magical moment of my life, up to that point. My emotions soared so much I became bi- polar.
I’ve always wondered how she was doing?
I’m reading the descriptions of her and though I briefly knew her had the opportunity to be in her presence, looking back she was sort of a free spirit, with a lot of love in her heart. It took me 12 years to get completely over her but the experience of meeting her was life changing. It was my first broken heart- the 2nd one was when my dad died.
Now, I’m very blessed to have a sweet family and my 4 biological children and the other children I helped raised are a real blessing to me.
Mariko and her mom, Helen Stevens and even her sister, Vicky may have heard of my oldest son, Ron Artest aka Metta World Peace, now Metta Sandiford- Artest. He’s a former NBA player.
My other children are also somewhat accomplished- Mel Rosa aka Melissa Artest, a singer known amongst the underground artists; Isaiah, a lawyer and Daniel a podcaster, physical trainer and former overseas pro baller.
Sorry to hear about the loss of Elliott Mariko Stevens. My condolences to her entire family. Stay strong and be eternally blessed! Amen!
PS I also have a sweet wife, Maria Rosa. She’s been nothing short of a blessing!
She’s been holding me down for some 35 years and our anniversary is March 8th and she is my heart!
I’m blessed with wonderful children and their children and children’s children.
Once again, my condolences goes out to Helen, Vicky and the entire Stevens family!