Zoe’y Israhel Stevenson came into this world on September 14, 2010, born to Arthur and Vondell Stevenson at Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. From the very beginning, Zoe’y showed us exactly who he was—a fighter, full of strength, determination, and life.

Zoe’y made his grand entrance at just 32 weeks and spent the first two and a half months of his life in the NICU. Though he was tiny, his strength was mighty. He was one of the strongest babies there, and even then, Zoe’y showed everyone that he had his own way of doing things and his own time for doing them. When he was finally released from the hospital in December, bringing him home was the best Christmas gift our family could have ever received. And what a gift Zoe’y would continue to be. At the age of three, Zoe’y began attending West Field Elementary School, where he had an amazing experience and quickly captured the hearts of his teachers, classmates, and staff. One of his teachers once shared that having Zoe’y in her class was such a joy. She said that whenever she saw him walking down the hallway, she could almost hear the song “Happy” playing because it perfectly matched his personality, the way he walked, and the joyful way he carried himself.

That was Zoe’y. He didn’t have to say a word to make his presence known. His joy walked into the room with him. When it was time for Zoe’y to leave West Field, there were many tears, hugs, and heartfelt goodbyes. He had made such an impact that the school blessed our family with a special book filled with pictures and memories from the years that “Mr. Z” spent there. It became a beautiful reminder of something we would see throughout Zoe’y’s life: wherever Zoe’y went, he left something behind—joy, laughter, love, and memories. Zoe’y later attended Cheyenne Middle School for one year before continuing his journey at Sequoyah Middle School. There, another part of Zoe’y began to shine even brighter—the performer. Zoe’y participated in drama and choir, and it quickly became obvious that he was a natural-born showman. He absolutely loved to sing. At the age of 12, he joined the praise team at church, where he loved singing alongside his singing partner, Minister Destanie Ellis.

And when Zoe’y wanted to practice, there was one place he could almost always be found—the bathroom! That was his rehearsal studio. He would go in there and practice, sing, and prepare as though a stage and an audience were waiting just outside the door.

In Zoe’y’s mind, maybe there were. He often said that one day he was going to be on “AGT”—America’s Got Talent, one of his favorite shows. Zoe’y always seemed to have a microphone nearby, and at any given moment, he could break out into song. No invitation was necessary. If Zoe’y felt like singing, it was showtime! He especially loved morning karaoke at Sequoyah, where he would sing his heart out with his “best buddy,” Kaitlyn. And if Zoe’y wasn’t singing, there was a good chance he was watching some kind of cooking show. Whether it was music, performing, cooking, or simply enjoying the things he loved, Zoe’y embraced life with enthusiasm. During both seventh and eighth grade, Zoe’y was honored by the Honor Society, an accomplishment that made his family incredibly proud. Then came Special Olympics—and Zoe’y was ready!

He loved to run and compete, and when it was time to race, he gave it everything he had. Zoe’y placed first in the 50-yard dash at the local level, once again showing that determined spirit that had been present since the day he entered this world at 32 weeks.

Zoe’y finished strong at Sequoyah and headed off to his next adventure: Edmond North High School. As Zoe’y prepared for high school, one of his first and most important questions was: "Will I be able to sing, Chili?”

“Chili” was Zoe’y’s special nickname for his mother, while his father was affectionately known to him as “Bandit.” And if you knew Zoe’y, you probably know where some of that inspiration came from—the boy absolutely loved Bluey!

With Zoe’y around, you never knew when it might suddenly become “Dance Mode!” Music and singing were never far from his mind. He was thrilled to become part of the choir at Edmond North and have another opportunity to do what he loved—sing his heart out.

During ninth grade, Zoe’y once again participated in Special Olympics. He earned a Gold Medal in the Ball Toss for his heat and a Silver Medal in the walking race. Those medals represented much more than competition. They reflected the determination, courage, and perseverance that Zoe’y carried throughout his life. As he entered his 10th-grade year, Zoe’y returned to choir, still singing, still smiling, still being Zoe’y. Zoe’y’s life cannot simply be measured by the number of years he was here. His life is measured by the lives he touched. He was a singer. A dancer. A competitor. A worshiper. A fighter.

A showman. A friend.

A son. A brother. And a source of tremendous joy. Zoe’y had a way of bringing happiness into a room simply by being himself. His personality was unforgettable. His love was genuine. His joy was contagious. His determination was inspiring. And his ability to make people smile was a gift. From that tiny 32-week-old baby fighting in the NICU, to the little boy whose walk reminded his teacher of the song “Happy,” to “Mr. Z” at West Field, to the young man singing karaoke with his best buddy, worshiping on the praise team, competing in Special Olympics, dancing to Bluey, watching cooking shows, carrying his microphone, and dreaming about the AGT stage—Zoe’y lived.

He lived with joy. He lived with music. He lived with determination. He lived with love. And he gave us memories that will forever be woven into the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Though our hearts ache because we wanted more time, we are grateful—deeply grateful—that God entrusted Zoe’y to us. We had the privilege of watching him grow, hearing him sing, seeing him dance, cheering him across finish lines, laughing at his personality, and experiencing the beautiful light that was uniquely Zoe’y Israhel Stevenson. And when we think of Zoe’y, we will remember the music. We will remember the microphone. We will remember “Dance Mode.” We will remember Bluey. We will remember that unforgettable walk.

We will remember the medals. We will remember the laughter.

We will remember the worship. And above all, we will remember the joy. Zoe’y was deeply loved by his family, his church family, his teachers, his classmates, his friends, and the many people whose lives were touched by simply knowing him. Zoe’y leaves to cherish his beautiful memory his grandfather, Freddie Holliman; his father, Arthur Stevenson; his mother, Vondell Stevenson; his brothers, Armand Williams and Savont’e Williams, sisters Vanessa Williams, Shekinah Williams and Aasiya Stevenson;aunties and uncles; nieces and nephews; extended family; church family; classmates, teachers, and a host of friends who loved him dearly.

The stage may seem quieter without Zoe’y standing on it, and our hearts will forever miss the sound of his voice. But the love, laughter, music, and joy he gave us will continue to echo.

     Zoe’y, you made your presence known when you entered this world, and you made your presence known every day afterward. You fought. You sang. You danced. You worshiped. You competed. You laughed. You loved.

And you brought us joy.

Your song will forever live in our hearts.

We love you, Mr. Z.

Keep singing, Zoe’y.

📅 Sunday, September 27, 2026

🕑 2:00 PM CST

📍 Stage 2 Event Center

2222 W Hefner Rd, Ste A & B

Oklahoma City, OK 73120

💙 Suggested Attire:

In honor of Zoe’y’s joyful and vibrant spirit, we invite you to wear “Happy Colors,” Bluey T-Shirts, Huskies with Heart T-Shirts, or ENHS T-Shirts.

Please join us as we celebrate Zoe’y Israhel Stevenson—his smile, his laughter, his singing, his love, and the beautiful light he brought everywhere he went.

💙🕊️ Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our Zoe’y. 🕊️💙

Blessings,
Pastors Arthur and Vondell Stevenson
New Leaf World Int’l Church