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Minister Steven Bonner Billingslea, a notable husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin, peacefully transitioned on October 23, 2024, at 7:52 p.m. at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC. Steve was born on November 6, 1959, in Plainfield, New Jersey. He was the son of the late Alfonso and Della Bonner Billingslea and husband of Rhonda Johnston Billingslea of Greenville. He was a 1978 graduate of Plainfield High School and attended college in Missouri where he played football. Steve returned to New Jersey and attended Kean University where he pledged the Iota Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated in the Spring of 1981. He later received his bachelor’s degree from UNC-Greensboro and a Master of Divinity from Shaw University. Steve’s career was diverse yet rewarding; his daughters often joked about how he had done a little bit of everything. He managed large restaurant chains and university cafeterias and spent time in sales. Nearly 20 years ago he discovered a love for health care and helping others. He became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), repeatedly winning “Nurse of the Month”. In 2015, he was called into the ministry and was ordained in 2018. Steve was an avid reader and a sports enthusiast, who quoted stats and facts about every sport, if you asked Steve, he knew it. He had an infectious smile and kind spirit, often called the kindest person someone has ever met. Steve loved his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. In many aspects of his life, Steve portrayed the epitome in fatherhood, as a healthcare professional, a Kappa Man, and academic excellence. Steve leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife, Rhonda Johnston Billingslea of Greenville, NC and daughters Brittany and Christina Cox of Charlotte, NC; his siblings, Daphne Teel of Gainesville FL, Lloyd Billingslea (Teresa) of Piscataway, NJ, Lisa Spann-Hill (Walter) of Farmville, NC, Lynnell S. Billingslea of Raleigh, NC, Debra Collins (Toby) of Washington, NC, and Tina Marie Billingslea of Ocala, FL, as well as host of nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and devoted fraternity brothers. 2 Timothy 4: 7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Tributes

Minister Steven Billingslea

November 6, 1959 - October 23, 2024