Stephen Michael Chilton, 70, of Eden went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at his residence.
Stephen, known by many as Steve or Stevie, was born in Leaksville, North Carolina (now Eden, North Carolina) on December 31, 1954, a son of Jimmie Herbert Chilton, Sr. and Margaret Pruitt Chilton, both deceased. Stevie lived most of his life in Greensboro, North Carolina, before moving to Eden in 1998 to be closer to family. Stevie earned his master’s degree in English with a specialty in African American Literature at North Carolina A&T University, where he later taught. After his career ended at A&T, Stevie was a substitute teacher for Rockingham County Schools. He enjoyed teaching students, family, friends, and anyone that he spoke with, often talking for hours on end about topics like movies, music, history, literature, electronics, sports, and art with those who would listen. Stevie was an avid Carolina Tarheels fan.
While Stevie never married or had children, he was known as the fun uncle who could make you laugh when you were down and was always thinking about things to get for his family members and friends. He was generous with his time, taking his various nieces and nephews to events and historical sites when they were young and going to every special event he could attend for them. Stevie was an artist since he was young, having painted several still life portraits, nature landscapes, animals, and the occasional Disney Princess or cartoon character for his several nieces and nephews mentioned previously. He was also the family photographer and videographer, with thousands of photos and videos of various family events, pets, and nature shots taken over several decades. Most importantly, Stevie was a man after God’s heart. He regularly attended First Baptist Church of Draper and previously served as a deacon and was an Awana leader, helping bring several to Christ. He performed in the church choir for several years until his failing health prevented him from doing so, which didn’t stop him from regularly singing in private. While Stevie was not perfect, he found comfort in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who helped him navigate life through good times and bad times.
In addition to his parents, Stevie was proceeded by his brother, Dr. Jimmie H. Chilton, Jr., great nephew, Braxton Michael Taylor, and his beloved dog, Misty, who is thrilled to be reunited with him.
Stevie is survived by his younger sister, Betty Chilton Easter, of Eden, who took care of him for several years until his passing, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Boone & Cooke, Inc. Funeral Home is serving the family.
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