Maximus Lee Stephen

It is with profound sadness and enduring love that we announce the passing of our beloved Maximus Lee Stephen on December 20th. Maximus, a bright and courageous eight year old, brought immense joy and love to everyone who knew him during his all-too-brief time with us.

Born on January 30th, 2016, Maximus was the cherished son of Matt and Amanda Stephen. He was a loving brother to Memphis James, Aurora Marie, and Anna Victoria, all of whom adored him and will forever carry his spirit in their hearts.

Maximus faced life with unshakable bravery and an enduring faith in the Lord. Over the past 13 months, he fought valiantly through countless challenges, including chemotherapy, radiation, a liver transplant, and a dozen surgeries in Columbia SC and months at Cincinnati Childrens. Thousands of people around the world held Max in their prayers, and he did all he could to stay with us. Despite the pain and hardships, Max’s strength and unwavering trust in God inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jesus decided Max had suffered enough and called him to heaven, where he is now free from pain and surrounded by eternal love. At 3 p.m. on a Friday, Max passed peacefully, holding the hands of his mom and dad.

Even in his final hours, Max shared glimpses of the incredible peace awaiting him. In the quiet of the early morning, at 1 a.m., Max spoke to his mom in half-sleep, saying:
"I go to meet Mary in Heaven. There are streets of gold and trees and a bright blue river and a white bridge over the river that leads to a park, and that's where I go to meet Mary. And St. Padre Pio is there playing with other kids, and St. Dominic was playing chess with me too. I saw St. Therese of Lisieux drawing pictures..."

Max’s words painted a beautiful vision of heaven and offered his family a precious blessing of comfort and hope as he prepared to meet Our Lord. His extraordinary faith and love for God gave him wisdom far beyond his years. One of his parting words, spoken with clarity and grace, was: “God loves you so much, and the best way to love God is to love others.”

Maximus was the beloved grandson of Peter and Susan Stephen and Ray and Terry Garries, great grandson of Rose Teed and nephew of Hawkan, Christina, Alisson, Brent, Chris, Michael and Matthew, whose pride and love for him knew no bounds. His passing leaves a void in our hearts that can never be filled but reminds us to cherish every precious moment and hold tightly to our faith.

He was a beacon of light and love, known for his infectious laughter, deep kindness, and boundless compassion. Whether exploring the outdoors, playing with his siblings, or comforting others with his sweet words, Max embodied the essence of joy and grace.

A celebration of Maximus’ life will be held at Kornegay Funeral Home, Lugoff-Elgin Chapel in Lugoff, SC on Sunday, December 22nd 5-8 pm.  The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM. The Funeral service will be held at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help in Camden SC at noon on Monday with internment at Historic Quaker cemetery following Mass. A celebration of life will be held at St Mary's Hall following cemetery services, where family and friends will gather to honor the incredible boy who taught us so much about love, faith, and resilience. The family requests donations may be made to the building of the Prayer Garden in Maximus' memory at the OLPH Church.

Rest peacefully, sweet Max. Your courage, faith, and love have forever changed so many of us. You have touched so many lives that are now closer to God. Heaven is brighter because of you, and your light will continue to shine in our hearts.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maximus Lee Stephen, please visit our floral store.