Brody Wallace Stephens, 8, of New Palestine, passed away on April 29, 2017, in Indianapolis. He was small but mighty, a standout basketball player and a lover of all things sports, especially trading cards. Brody’s dream was to one day open his very own sports card shop.
He was born Dec. 19, 2008, in Indianapolis, the fourth son of Jason and Celia Stephens. In his short life, Brody fought leukemia not once but twice and, along the way, became a superstar in his own right.
His strength and his spirit touched everyone, from doctors, nurses, family members and friends, other small children battling the disease to NFL and NBA superstars, and college athletes who, once they met Brody, couldn’t forget him.
Brody’s favorite athletes and special friends were Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle, Indiana Pacers guard Glenn Robinson III and Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry. Warriors Coach Steve Kerr also held a special place in Brody’s heart.
Basketball was Brody’s first love and, in the hospital, he could often be found in hallways practicing his dribbling skills. When asked, not so long ago, what advice he would have for other kids who just found out they had cancer, Brody quickly replied: “To fight.”
His two favorite mottos were “Never Give Up, We Got This” and “Fight. It’s what we do.”
Brody is survived by his parents, Celia K. and Jason S.; and three brothers, Elijah M., Ian I. and Aidan X. Stephens. He is also survived by grandparents, Mike and Lynn Wheeler.
He was welcomed into Heaven by grandparents, George and Phyllis Stephens.
A Celebration of Life for Brody will be on at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 7, at New Palestine High School Gymnasium, 4485 S. Victory Dr., New Palestine, IN. Officiating the service will be Pastors Mark Havel, Taylor Lehman, and Paul Romoser. Doors will be open at 1 p.m. for the public. Brody’s plan when he retired from the NBA was to open his own sports card shop so please stop in after the service. Doors will be open after the service in the Auxillary Gym for you to check out his memorabilia and leave a memory or tribute of Brody for the family at the Memory Tables.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Brody’s memory to the Riley Children’s Foundation for the Child Life Department, 30 S. Meridian St, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204-3509, www.rileykids.orgdonate under tribute, select Brody Stephens as the name and Child Life Service. The Child Life Department is responsible for providing entertainment, crafts, art, music therapy and toys to children who are being cared for at Riley Hospital. Contributions can also be made to the HCCF-Brody Strong Memorial Fund, 312 E. Main St, Greenfield, IN 46140, online donations at https://givehcgrowhc.org/scholarship-education-foundation-funds, which helps provide educational assistance for kids facing adversities.
Arrangements handled by Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel, 1444 West US Hwy 52, Fountaintown, IN 46130
Online condolences at bellmortuary.com.
