Steve Green III

I was born at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Steve Green Jr. and Katina Lynn Willis on January 26, 2004. Due to the heart condition I was born with, the first couple weeks of my life were spent in the neonatal intensive care unit. Those early days were rough for my family, who initially didn't even know if I would make it home. But I pulled through. Even after that, the doctors were less than hopeful, telling my parents that I would never be able to play sports or do anything very physical. I can't blame them. At that time, they had no idea who they were dealing with. How could they know that this little baby boy was born with a fighting spirit that would push him to defy the odds and arise an overcomer. I thank God for my mom-mom Virtel who was knowledgeable in holistic healing and proper diet which allowed me to continue to grow healthy and strong. My mother practiced this lifestyle on a high level. she saw to it that I was given only the best foods.

 Those close to me, affectionately called me "Stevie" I was a musically inclined young child.  I was playing the drums by the age of two and my mother enrolled me in music school for piano lessons at age five, Even through I loved music I leaned more towards sports and just about anything that involved running and jumping. I was very good at it. I even learned to ride a bike with no training wheels by the age of three!

I loved spending time with my family even as a young child. I absolutely loved all holidays. I loved going to the reading terminal with my grand mom Vernita to shop just before Thanksgiving! I loved the vacations and quick getaways she would always plan, I loved when my grandpop John would surprise me for Christmas and birthdays. I also loved going fishing with my pop-pop Earl when I was three. I loved when my mother would take my sisters Kimani, Summer and I to the park. I learned a lot from my big sister Kimani and Summer learned a lot from me

I started my education at Glenside Elementary in Cheltenham, PA. I attended from kindergarten to 3rd grade. After my parents separation I moved with my mom to Phoenix, Arizona and then Daytona, Florida. while traveling I was enrolled in commonwealth Cyber Charter School from 3rd grade to 6th grade.

My sister and I moved back to Philadelphia at age 11 to live with my grandmother Vernita. Age 12 was the year we both went to live with my father. My dad loved me very much and was eager to give me the best life possible. He was a fun dad who loved to teach us and do family stuff. at this time, I met Marion Mary Toole with whom my father later became engaged. She became my second mom. I now had a bonus mother, sisters and brothers. Ms. Mary and I developed a bond that couldn't have been closer than if we were related by blood. she was there for any and everything I needed and the best bonus mom a kid could ever have been blessed with and I loved her and she loved me!

We would go on great family outings like the time we went to great adventure with my Aunty Sha and Aunt Viv. My cousins Jay and Joi-Joi, Uncle Kwame and my bonus sisters Niyah and Birah too! One of the highlights was getting on the Nitro roller coaster with my dad! we also loved going to the beach a few times a year.

as a family we were members of Sharon Baptist Church and attended regularly. We also had bible study at home every Friday night. I was taught to fear the creator and have faith that all power is in his hands. I also learned that God will never give us more than we can bear. This knowledge helped me to grow into a well-rounded young man.

I attended Discovery Charter School from 6th through 8th grade. People like Mr. Bey guided my way. Discovery taught me how to appreciate my African American heritage and to be proud of our contributions to society. Discovery Charter School has a great sports program which challenged me. i made the JV Basketball Team in the 7th grade and in 8th grade I played on the Varsity team. While at Discovery Charter School I attended "See It Trough" which is an after-school. I learned so much from people like Uncle Santana and Coach T. During this time in my life, I also played pop warner football with the Overbrook Monarchs organization alongside my cousin Marcel Jackson. My dad was also on the coaching staff. My Uncle Solomon would come to my practices and work out with me as well. That was fun!

I started high school at KIPP Charter. I was an outstanding student athlete. I played varsity basketball and varsity football. While in high school I also played AAU basketball and attended different basketball clinics throughout the city including the Sean Colson basketball camp. I was in the 11th grade and was excited about graduating the upcoming year. I'd be starting my career in the US Air Force and then ultimately attended Temple University.

Everyone who knew me, knew that I was an avid lover of sports. I played basketball, football and baseball, but basketball was my favorite. I aspired to be a good ball player like my dad and my favorite player Kobe Bryant. My dad and I worked out every weekend. As for football, I played the cornerback position. I covered some of the best receivers on the opposing team and yet, I matched competitive nature, speed and will every time the ball was thrown in my direction. Like the time Ms. Mary took me, Summer and my best friend Zakaai, to the NBA Draft to see the NFL draft pick. It's a day I'll never forget. Seeing the Giants sign their draft pick was the highlight of the day, but a close second was seeing the shock on Zakaa's face when face when he saw me come up from behind in a race to win the bet we made. We would reminisce about that trip from time to time and I enjoyed reminding him of my win.

My competitive nature extended beyond the basketball court and football field and despite spending a lot of time and energy honing my athletic skills, this school year, I made a commitment to pursue excellence in the classroom, as well. It was a change that I was given since middle school. So I set academic goals, constantly monitored my progress and worked hard. All that effort paid off; I finally made the honor-roll, and it made my family proud. Truth be told proving that I was an all-around great scholar and athlete made me proud too. My coach told me that Temple University was watching me and showed interest in my abilities.

I was not always this confident, outgoing young man. In the sixth grade, I recall being quiet and rather shy, but something magically happened in the seventh grade. I emerged an optimistic, joyful teen that wanted to hold court, grab attention and enjoy my life. If you looked up, you could very well catch me doing one of my favorite dances, twisting my hair and of course checking myself out in the closest mirror.

Another one of my goals was to get my own car. I always loved cars and was finally about to get my own. I had my eye on the Nissan 240SX and I was working with my dad, earning and saving money, all to make another dream come true.

My life ended unexpectedly on the evening of April 9, 2022, but the impact that I made in the 18 years that I had on this earth will last forever in the hearts and lives of those that loved me. God was with me the entire journey! I leave to cherish my memory my parents, Katina and Steve Jr., Bouns Mom- Marion- Grandparents; Vernita, Virtel, John an Earl, Sisters; Kimani, Summer ,Birah and Niyah-Brothers; Cam and Nell- Aunts; Vivian, Sharahn, Cheryl and Tanya- Uncles; Solomon, Earl, Santanna, Kwame, Milton, Khary, Adrian, (A Sharp), Moses, Hakeem and Hasan- Cousins; Maijoi, Jordan, Edwin Jr., Milton, Mikkel, Stephon, Kaseema, Shawny, Mann (Vernita), Keith and Khary- Nephew; Nyair-Neice; Azuri'- Godsisters; Kaleya, Tabria and Saneia- Best Friends; Zakaa, Tymir, Tj (Tremayne) and Kye and a host of extended family members and friends.