Obituaries

Steve Sowell, 52, passed away on February 26, 2025. Services will be held at New Zion Baptist Church beginning with visitation from 6-8 pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Funeral will be 12 noon on Friday, March 7, 2025.

Stephen Sowell was born on October 11, 1972, to the late Christine Sowell-Jones and Robert Shavers Jr. in Louisville, KY. He graduated from Pleasure Ridge Park High School in 1992. A passionate fan of both the Louisville Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints, he loved discussing his favorite teams in great detail and never missed a chance to attend football and basketball games.

Stephen battled sickle cell disease his entire life, using his experience to educate others about his illness. Despite the challenges, he remained a warrior, never backing down. Known for his strong personality and gift of conversation, he could talk for hours and never let you get a word in once he got going. And being a twin was his pride and joy and would mention it to anyone.

Beyond sports, Stephen had a deep love for BMX trick bikes, fashion, and music. He enjoyed going to concerts, especially to see his favorite rappers, Jay-Z and Nas. A frequent visitor to the barbershop, he loved talking sports with his barber and close friend, Shon, as well as the rest of the O’Live crew. His passion for sneakers started early and only grew stronger over the years, making him a true sneakerhead.

In February 2011, Stephen met the love of his life, Yasmeen, and together they had a son, Iman lil Stevie Sowell, born on July 29, 2020. Stephen adored his son, and the two shared a special bond over dinosaur exhibits and watching sports together. He also loved traveling and passed that passion down to Iman, who is now following in his father’s footsteps when it comes to fashion and sneakers. A meticulous and organized man, Stephen always kept things clean and tidy. Many didn’t know he was also a talented artist and skilled handyman.

On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Stephen passed away at Norton Hospital. He was preceded in death by his mother, Christine Sowell-Jones; his grandmother, Betty Shavers; his grandmother, Gertrude Pearson-Sowell; his brother Robert Shavers Jr.; his stepfather, Jerry T. Jones; and both grandfathers, Mr. Shavers and Mr. Sowell, two nephews and a sister n law. He is survived by his son, Iman Stephen Sowell; his wife, Yasmeen Sowell; Father Robert Shavers Sr.; four brothers; six sisters; as well as a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Stephen was a warrior. He fought hard, never complained, and always carried a smile no matter how tough things got. His resilience and determination were an inspiration. When life gets difficult, think of Stephen and how he fought, how he persevered, and how he never gave up. Let his strength be a reminder to keep going, to push through struggles with grace, and to never lose hope.