Peter Johnston "PJ" Stephens

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September 16, 2020

Peter was so helpful to me for many of the hotel properties I worked with over the years. He always found the right people for me to hire. I always enjoyed our conversations they were not just business and he always was a great listener and support. I... more

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September 15, 2020

Peter will be greatly missed but his warmth, kindness, and sense of humor will be remembered forever. My heart is with you in your time of sorrow.

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September 15, 2020 · via iPhone

We are very saddened to find out that uncle Peter passed away. He was a great friend since about 35 years ago. He worked with Frederic, was his best man at our wedding and Godfather to our son Adrian. We also spend time with him and with my parents that... more

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August 20, 2020

I am so happy to see that photo of Peter! That is exactly as I remember him, smiling and jovial and hospitable. His generosity to my children on a special day at Universal Studios in Orlando provided indelible memories for them. His warmth was... more

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August 16, 2020

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Libby Brittain My 2nd Christmas...1st Christmas with my Uncle Peter. This photo hung on my bedroom mirror my entire childhood. It's one of my favorite pictures.
- August 16, 2020
- · 1 likes this

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August 16, 2020

The other night, as I was washing my hands at the sink and getting lost in my thoughts as I usually do, I faintly heard my Uncle Peter’s voice. “Libby… Oh, Libby dear!” It seemed far off in the distance and although I could feel the grief... moreThe other night, as I was washing my hands at the sink and getting lost in my thoughts as I usually do, I faintly heard my Uncle Peter’s voice. “Libby… Oh, Libby dear!” It seemed far off in the distance and although I could feel the grief churning up inside me, I leaned into the sound of his call. As I closed my eyes the grief began to shift into acceptance and that acceptance turned into a feeling of elation that I knew was Peter. I could hear my grandmother telling Peter it was working and to, “try calling her [me] again.” And again, I heard Peter’s call, a little closer this time. And then the one-of-a-kind bombastic laugh that only Peter Stephens could make, rang in my head and in my heart. I suppose Nanny was giving Peter a tutorial on how to use the spirit phone to reach me. Peter, my heart hurt because I missed you but you seemed so happy. The image I see every-time I think of you is you walking through the front door of Nanny’s place in Hilton Head. I see Nanny greeting you and you wrapping her in your arms. I hear my Mom warmly say, “Hey Pete!” as she steps out from the nearby guest room, ready for a long-awaited embrace. You’re wearing a Brooks Brothers navy blue blazer and a yellow shirt, dress slacks, and shiny shoes. The air smells like a mix of my mom’s hairspray, your cologne, and the cypress trees. The room is a comforting glow thanks to the pink South Carolina sunset that dances through the windows. I imagine this is how my Mom and Nanny welcomed you home when you reached the pearly gates of Heaven. I also imagine you recounting your journey into the light to join them in true Peter Stephens fashion.

I could always count on Peter to remember the family stories and I never thought twice about asking him to tell them to me again. He loved storytelling and I loved to listen. Peter was the one who taught me about the history of Champagne when I was 17 and the history of the architecture of one of my favorite restaurants in Hilton Head. He always had some tidbit of knowledge to share. Peter’s love of language and words was infectious and from the time I was young, I knew that if Uncle Peter spoke highly of something I had written, then I was certain to earn an A.
I think of the story he told me shortly after my Mom passed. It was about the time the two of them hung towels from the chandelier in the entryway of the house they’d moved to in Pittsburgh. Peter said it had belonged to the former owner who also happened to be Granddad’s boss at the time. Apparently the Boss’ wife kept telling everyone what a wonderful price they had given our family on the house and that they had EVEN given us the priceless chandelier! Nanny finally remarked one evening how hideous she thought the chandelier was and that it looked like a towel rack. I can still hear Peter’s laughter as he recounted the prank and seeing Nanny’s face when she came home one day to find towels hanging from it! It was one of the funniest things I’d ever heard and it helped me forget my grief for a moment. I can’t help smiling as I wonder what sorts of pranks Peter and my Mom may pull now that they’re reunited on the other side.
I also think of the poinsettia he’d send every holiday and how every Christmas evening, my Mom would already be writing her thank-you notes because there was a long-standing competition between her and Peter regarding who would get theirs finished first. I think of the first Christmas after Nanny passed away and how my Mom became sick and had to be put in a medically induced coma. I remember talking to Peter on the phone and him telling me not to worry about trying to contact everyone, that he would handle it. I felt so overwhelmed and he knew it. I remember him sincerely thanking me for taking care of my mom and keeping him, “abreast of the situation.” I recall shortly thereafter receiving a gift card from him to one of my favorite stores. I later found out he had called my Dad to double-check because he wanted to be sure to get me something I would like. It was an effort I greatly appreciated. Along with the gift card was a note explaining that it was just a little something to say thank you and acknowledge all the hard work I had put in looking after my Mom. He said it was so I could go treat myself once things were back to normal. It was such a kind gesture and it truly meant so much to me.
I remember the summers when we’d get to see Peter in Orlando and the time he brought us to this fancy Hawaiian themed dinner where there was fire dancing. It was truly SO Peter and I loved every minute of it. I also recall his love of music and the one summer when he drove my mom and I to the Savannah Airport in a fancy Cadillac. I remember he was playing Josh Grobin and singing along to it. It wasn’t necessarily my style of music but I enjoyed how enthusiastic he was and listening to him sing. This reminds me of the story my Mom would tell of how Uncle Peter had perfect pitch and couldn’t stand next to Granddad in church because he loved to sing too but was completely tone-deaf and it hurt Peter’s ears. I imagine Granddad’s singing has gotten better in Heaven and I smile thinking of that heavenly reunion as well. I’m sure Peter has already organized multiple soirées by now and gotten to know practically everyone on the other side. My Uncle was a man I considered to be larger than life. A true Leo. I can’t imagine a world without him, but then I remind myself that he is still here. He lives on in the memories and through the kind actions and good deeds of others whom he so greatly influenced and inspired.

I love you Uncle Peter. Always have. Always will. less

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William Stephens So beautifully said Libby as only you could express. No doubt your Mom, Uncle Peter, Granddad and Nannie are catching up on all the latest, Peter doing most of the talking, the others doing most of the laughing. Love and miss them all so much!
- August 16, 2020

added 1 photo(s) to the memorial :

August 16, 2020

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Billy Stephens Christmas 1996
- August 16, 2020
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August 16, 2020

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William Stephens Mother Stephens and her boys!
- August 16, 2020
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August 15, 2020 · via mobile

Master Cubby,

My heart hurts as I think back to the many personal conversations we shared. You were there for many of my milestones and hurdles . . . Always with a compassionate ear and sound advice. You are in a better place now. Left behind were... more

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August 14, 2020

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Libby Brittain First Christmas with his little sister Ann. I must say I love Peter's facial expression in this photo. I recall him getting a kick out of this photo when we came across it and him having a good laugh and saying, "Ann, dear, what are you wearing?"
- August 14, 2020

added 1 photo(s) to the memorial :

August 14, 2020

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August 14, 2020

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Libby Brittain The Stephens Children: Bill, Ann, and Peter.
- August 14, 2020

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August 14, 2020

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Libby Brittain Sometimes it's hard to imagine someone larger than life like Peter was ever a baby, but here is proof! A young Peter Stephens with his brother Bill.
- August 14, 2020

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August 13, 2020 · via iPad

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August 13, 2020 · via iPhone

PJ was a great man, and a great example of what it meant to be a man of Sigma Chi. The brothers of Eta Pi will never forget his long inspirational talks, or his humor. Although I’m sure he knew, I wish there was one more moment we could tell him how... more

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August 13, 2020 · via iPhone

I’ve been blessed not to be too familiar with death in my life. I suppose that makes it hit harder when it does occur. And the impact that death leaves is a direct result of the impact that life brought. I feel empty hearing of PJs passing. It... more

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August 13, 2020 · via iPad

Never in my life have I met a man who exemplified the attributes of Sigma Chi’s Jordan Standard more than P. J. Stephens.

A man of good character
A student of fair ability
with ambitious purposes
A congenial disposition
Possessed of good... more

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August 12, 2020

PJ Stephens, from minute one in our lives, has been a positive force in everything. PJ has been a dedicated Friend And Sigma Chi Brother since 1969, upon his Initiation into Sigma Chi. He always did the right thing for the right reasons, throughout his... more

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August 11, 2020 · via iPhone

Generous, thoughtful and warm. Uncle Peter exemplified those qualities. His tight hugs, the smell of his cologne and his voice belting out hymns in church are memories that have taken hold in a special place in my heart. Thanksgiving and Christmas time... more

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August 11, 2020

Uncle Peter was a kind, jolly, jovial and generous uncle to his nieces and nephew including his great nieces and nephews! We all were so blessed and enriched to have had Uncle Peter in our lives! We miss you so much already! Rest In Peace, dear Peter!... more

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August 11, 2020

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