Keith Brooklyn Stevens, Sr.: Cary
1942 – 2024
Keith Brooklyn Stevens, Sr. of Cary passed away on Tuesday, March 5, after a courageous battle with peritoneal mesothelioma. He was 81.
Born Oct. 29, 1942 in Loris, he was the son of the late Burvie Brooklyn Stevens and Cora Grainger Stevens.
Keith grew up on the family’s tobacco farm in Loris. After attending Loris High School, he graduated with honors from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
While working with Bell Labs in NJ, Keith attended Columbia University where he graduated first in his class with a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Shortly thereafter, Keith relocated to Cary, where he had a successful 48-year career with IBM. Notable achievements include serving as the technical assistant to the Site General Manager, leading development and manufacturing of keyboards, and heading manufacturing and quality for Network Hardware.
Keith married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Boyd, in June 1964. They had two children, Keith, Jr. and Renee. After the arrival of his grandchildren, he affectionately became known as “Big Keith”.
Big Keith adored his grandchildren, traveling near and far to attend their sporting and special events. Big Keith forged a uniquely tight relationship with each grandchild. Big Keith impacted their lives in a mighty way!
Keith was an avid woodworker. He built everything ranging from pinewood derby cars to cradles and cribs for his grandchildren. Keith also restored furniture, and developed a passion for making custom pens, often giving them as gifts.
Keith was always extremely active in Cary First Baptist Church. Leadership positions included Chairman of the Deacons, Church Moderator, Finance Committee, and various youth leadership roles. Keith served on the Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina Board of Directors for over 30 years and on the Gideons International Board of Directors as well.
Of all his amazing attributes, Big Keith will be remembered most for his abundant generosity, both in time and gifts. He was an amazing mentor to many. Simply said, Big Keith was happiest when he was helping his family and friends.
His impact on those he came in contact with is immeasurable. Perhaps his most generous gift was the example of loving care provided to his wife for over the last 15 years of his life.
Keith’s loving family includes his wife of 60 years, Gloria Boyd Stevens; children Keith Stevens, Jr. (Sara) and Renee Stephens (Todd); grandchildren Shane Stevens (Morgan), Chase Stevens (Megan), Blake Stevens, Jenna Stephens, Savannah Stevens, and Justin Stephens; great-grandchild Wesley Stevens, with another great-grandson on the way; siblings Bryan Stevens (Gail) and Bruce Stevens (Donna); brothers-in-law the late Reese Boyd, Jr. and John Boyd (the late Wendy); nieces and nephews Reese Boyd (Lee), Kim Stevens Hayes (David), Ben Boyd (Dennis), Marcy Stevens McLain (Rob), Laura Boyd Nobles (DeWayne), Teresa Boyd Cyganiewicz (the late James), Todd Stevens (Karly), and late parents-in-law, Lalla and Reese Boyd, Sr.
Special appreciation to our dear family friends of Cary First Baptist Church, Churchill Downs, IBM, and Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina.
Visitation was held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 9 at First Baptist Church in Cary. A graveside service occurred Sunday, March 10, at Twin City Memorial Gardens in Loris. After interment a reception was held at Dogwood Hill Baptist Church in Loris.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Keith to Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina, Cary First Baptist Church, or Gideons International.
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