Born Greenville, South Carolina September 24, 1915. Graduated from Law School of Washington and Lee University, 1940.
Married Kitty (Catherine Lawder) in 1939. Three children born of the marriage, one son and two daughters: Sam Lawder Stephenson, Jane S. Wilson and Nan S. Johnston; followed by five grandchildren.
Began practice in 1941 with lifelong friend, Schaefer B. Kendrick, but soon dissolved the firm due to World War II and served as special agent with the FBI for the duration. In 1945, firm reactivated as Kendrick, Stephenson and Johnson and continued until 1976 when Steve became a partner with Haynsworth, Marion, McKay and Guerard.
President of Greenville County Bar Association, 1977; a founder of Greenville Legal Services and first Chairman of the Board, 1967.
Outstanding public service, including Boards of Directors of Southern Bleachery, Mt. Vernon Mills; Board of Trustees of the Medical University of South Carolina; Founding Director and Chairman of Southern Bank and Trust Company; Board of Trustees and Chairman of Greenville Hospital System; Honorary Member of Poinsett Club; Communicant of Christ Church Episcopal, serving as Senior Warden and as Chancellor for many years.
Respected and highly regarded for his counsel and talents as a consultant. His priorities were in the best order; first was his family and second — his church; next was his business career, closely involved with service to the public and his community.