Bishop Doctor Lorenzo James Stephanson of Burkburnett, TX went to meet his Heavenly Father Monday, February 8, 2021 at United Regional Hospital with family by his side. Funeral services will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, Texas on Saturday February 20, 2021 at 1:00pm. With Interment to be held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on Monday March 1, 2021 at 1:15pm with full Military Honors. Lorenzo was born March 2, 1945 in Baltimore, MD to Aquilla Stephanson and Ruth Almas Murray-Stephanson. Lorenzo received his primary education from FL Barber Elementary, Booker T Washington Junior High, and Morris Senior High, schools. After High School he attended Grace Ministries Theology Seminary where he received his Masters and Doctorate of Theology. Lorenzo honorably served his country in a Christian manner for a number of years. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on May 28, 1962 and served for 20 years before retiring in 1982. Most of his Air Force career had been spent on foreign soil. These assignments included Newfoundland, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and two tours in Okinawa. He was assigned to Kadena Air Base where he worked for the 367thStrategic Wing. Lorenzo was a devoted man of God. He was ordained as a minister in June 1963 and in June 1976, was commissioned to preach the gospel by Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc. While stationed in Okinawa, he formed a gospel choir, and they sang all over the island. He attended Turpin School of the Bible and Cascades of Glory Bible School. Lorenzo also completed courses in Teaching Techniques, and Old and New Testament Surveys. Grace Ministries International Fellowship established in year 2000. Under the leadership of Robert McKenzie and Lorenzo Stephanson. His heart and passion were in equipping and building leaders to successfully, with integrity and the Word of God, build their ministry and churches. He was a comforter and encouraged many pastors across the globe to be the best they could be for God's kingdom. He took every opportunity to share of his own experiences to teach, strengthen and guide others to walk faithfully and to stand on truth. Bishop would often be heard saying, "Just keep on living." Under his leadership, GMIF expanded from California to Georgia and from India into Africa. Lorenzo ordained and consecrated well over 50 pastors, bishops, and apostles into higher callings on ministry. While in Brownwood, TX he and his daughter Ebonie formed a choir of incarcerated adolescent females. This was the first time the youth were allowed to leave campus and travel to spread the gospel to the surrounding counties. Bishop had a beautiful baritone voice; he would sing a little tune before or after he would speak the Word. Lorenzo took great pride in consecrating couples into a beautiful union. He has married couples all over the world. Bishop Lorenzo James Stephanson, was known to many as a man of God who loved to spread the gospel and an awesome musician. He married his first love, Jackie Adkins in 1973. They had six beautiful children. He then married Edwina in 1991. Lorenzo met the love of his life Tanya Caldwell and they married September 2005. Tanya and Lorenzo had many beautiful and memorable years together before his passing on Monday. Lorenzo loved people! He was always smiling and bopping along. He loved fishing, being around family, and traveling. Lorenzo loved and cherished his children Numero Uno, Bougie, Yannie, Big Guy, and Wink. Lorenzo was known as the Gadget Man. He had all types of neat little gadgets. "Rennie" as his sister would call him loved food. He would be talking and smacking at the same time. He would even hum as he ate. Lorenzo will truly be missed by all who were blessed to know him. Lorenzo was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents; Aquilla Stephanson and Ruth Murray, and stepfather Harry Murray; siblings Michael Stephanson and Emmanuel Brooks; child Karen Stephanson; and granddaughter Kadarrah Jones. Left to cherish his memories are: wife, Tanya Stephanson of Burkburnett, TX, children: Chavenna Stephanson, Rochelle Love, Kimme Ramirez, Kamille Stephanson-Thomasand husband King, Ebonie Batts, Kiyana Campbell and husband Odane, Lorenzo Stephanson Jr. and wife Marsha, Loren Stephanson and wife Ashleigh, Joann Pickard and husband Ashton, Pearl Cruz; siblings Jamesetta Njoku, Rosemary Collins and husband Marc, and Erma Murray; 23 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and a host of extended family and many friends. Online Condolences may be made at www.brownwoodfuneralhome.net , or mailed directly to the Stephanson family at 1108 Prestige Dr., Burkburnett, TX 76354.