Early Years

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Stephon Calhoun Sr., was born on August 27, 1966, 13 minutes after his twin sister, Colonel Stephanie Calhoun Jamison. He held the distinction of being the only son of the late Deacon Cleophus Calhoun, Jr., and Sis. Ola Mae Blackshear Calhoun.

As a child, he grew up with his parents and three sisters in the Greenough Community. He learned the value of hard work, and a strong work ethic at his father's knee. He spent many summers alongside his father, a master brick mason. He labored with his father as he built the sanctuary here at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church. He learned to love the Lord and confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior during a revival in the Summer of 1982.

Stephon attended Mitchell-Baker High School and graduated in the class of 1985. He followed his sisters to Albany State College, and graduated with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. He embarked on his military career and joined the ROTC program, where he made many lifelong friends.

Selfless Service

He was commissioned into the United States Army as a 2 nd Lieutenant in 1991. He served with courage and valor in a total of eight deployments. Designated Imminent Danger Area which included Kuwait (19980215-19980705), Iraq (20051211-20061203), and Afghanistan (20100228-20110627).

Military Education included: Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) 2008, Airborne, 1991, Armor Officer Advanced, 1994, Armor Officer Basic, 1991, Command & General Staff College, 2003, Combined Arms Service Staff School, 1998, Scout Platoon Leader Course, 1993.

He received many awards such as the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Stars, the Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award), the Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 23 years and 6 months of service to his country.

"He Who Finds a Wife, Finds a Good Thing"

As a young man who had a loving spirit and open heart, he met and married Tangela Wimberly. To this union, three children were born: Elyse, Stephon Jr., and Stedman. As he served in the military, his family supported him. They traveled the world over with stops at Fort Johnson (Polk), LA, Fort Cavazos (Hood), TX (2), Fort Moore (Benning), GA (2), Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, IN, Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, MS, USAG Heidelberg, Germany.

They did not accompany him to Camp Casey, Korea but loved and waited for his return. In retirement, he continued a cause he felt strongly about. He and his wife, Tangela, served as ministry leaders in a Marriage Enrichment Ministry. He served the Lord throughout his career and post-retirement with his last stop at Sightseeing Road Chapel, Fort Moore, GA. There he served as a Sunday School teacher, Men's Choir member, member of Men's Fellowship, and Bible Study Instructor. He led a life that imbued service to others; he sent daily scriptures to countless family and friends, volunteered, cooked and served meals for others, and mentored. He was most passionate about his relationship with Christ, his family, tennis, and fishing. He was an avid tennis player. He could be found on the courts of Cooper Creek Park daily (he was the guy with his personal ball machine). He was a self-taught barber, rendering services to many, including his father, father-in-law, sons, and many friends.

In Loving Memory

He was preceded in death by his father, Cleophus Calhoun Jr., and his niece, Shelby Jamison.

Legacy

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 32 years, Tangela Calhoun; his beloved children, Elyse, Stephon Jr., and Stedman; his adored grandson, Shaun, and his four-legged companion, Shérif. His mother, Sister Ola Mae Calhoun of Camilla, GA, his mother-in-law, Peggy Wimberly of Albany, GA, his sisters, Shurmain Broadwater (Marvin) of Columbus, GA, Shurlane Josey (Kennith) of Fortson, GA, and his twin Stephanie Calhoun Jamison (Simuel) of Pine Mountain, GA. His brother-in-law Edward Wimberly Jr. of Memphis, TN, and sisters-in-law Shannon Wimberly of Albany, GA, Stephanie Scott (Ameko) of Dallas, TX. His aunts Pearlie Belle Mobley of Belle Glade, FL, Lillie Rene (Ezra) Joseph of Belle Glade, FL, Louvenia Casion of Camilla, GA; uncles MG Calhoun (Willie Mae) of Camilla, GA, Willie C. Calhoun (Eddie Mae) of Camilla, GA, James Calhoun (Henrietta) of Camilla, GA. His nieces and nephews, Marvin Broadwater Jr. (Porsha) of Atlanta, GA, Edward Wimberly III (Krystal) of Houston, TX, Kennith Josey Jr. (Kayce) of Columbus, GA, Danielle Wright of Albany, GA, Devin Cotton of Atlanta, GA, Maya Hunter (Sterling) of Albany, GA, Donterrius Wimberly of Atlanta, GA, Simuel Jamison of Alexandria, VA, Morgan Josey of Columbus, GA, Sydney Jamison of Nashville, TN, Marvin "Tre" Broadwater III of Atlanta, GA. And a host of other loving relatives and friends.

A Longing for Home

If he could, he would have stayed, for we know he loved us all. Stephon was ever obedient and heeded the Master's call. He passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024.