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.