He was born in Philadelphia to King and father Donald Buxton. He attended Hartranft Elementary School, Wakisha Charter Middle School, Freire Charter High School and William Penn High School, from which he graduated in 2009.
"As a young man, Stephan was very resourceful and determined not to allow anything to stand in the way of goals set for him," his mother said.
He most recently worked as a salesman for Olympia Sports at Greene Street and Chelten Avenue, where he helped youngsters pick out and try on the latest in sneakers. Before that, he was a cashier and stockman at the Acme Market in Germantown.
"Of all the jobs he worked, he enjoyed his position at the Acme Market best, because it allowed him the opportunity to advance and maximize his diverse work skills," his mother said. "His time there allowed him to learn and set forth a plan to do greater things in his future.
“In addition, he took pride in becoming a diligent saver, obtaining a car independently, and most of all being a giver to his loved ones."
Stephan had a strong religious faith that helped sustain him during his illness. He was baptized at Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Frederick L. Bowers.
"He was rooted and grounded in his faith and had a strong personal relationship with the Lord," his mother said.
Stephan was popular among his many friends and his family because of his cheerful nature and his pleasure in helping brighten everyone's day.
He was "loving, caring, thoughtful, sweet and very wise," his mother said. "His laugh was unique; his beautiful smile and eyes were, too, making it difficult to ever fathom staying at odds with him.
“All he wanted in this life was love, respect and happiness. His presence has always brought a warm feeling to our hearts, and Stephan's amazing spirit will live on forever."
Besides his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Shaneen and Sharnea Jenkins; a brother, Richard King III; a grandmother, Dorothy Jenkins; and his fiancée, Anita Seabrooks. 3
Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church, 3200 N. Broad St. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Merion Memorial Park, Bala Cynwyd.
Contact John F. Morrison at 215-854-5573 or morrisj@phillynews.com, or on Twitter @johnfmorrison.
