Theo Stith Programs

Theo, we see you, with that infinite smile turning into careless giggles at things that we seriously grimace. To you a good scolding is a mere love tap that tickles your heart strings. Even in your terrible-two stage, you realized the power of your mischief to frustrate emotions, which sent you into uncontrollable laughter—even while being spanked. That delightful being arrived in this world April 9, 1998, into the assigned care of Gerald and Vikki Stith. In reverence to her vision for her son, his mother named him Theo Mann, interpreted God Man. His siblings had their own names for him—Man Man, Bruh_Bruh, Stank-Stank, and, the all-agreed-upon, “Can’t Get Right.” He was born the youngest of siblings with already established roles that they were determined to maintain; Big sister Lynn (well, that’s all she could be), Nena, who had already moved over for Shown, was not moving another inch, Shown, who remained unthreatened, Tyrone, who felt like he would become invisible, and Geton, who was like, “I ain’t got nothing to say about that.” Theo was a challenge. So, it was all hands-on deck. Lynn “stustah” became his second Mom, brother-in-law “Big Markeit” became his second dad, Nena “sistah” became his Nanny, Tyrone “Big Bruh” became his trainer, Shown “Bruh-Bruh” became his boss, and Geton “Sis” his older sister (you know what that means). Theo Mann was so busy that he would be out of breath, constantly on the move. “What are you doing Theo?” his mom used to ask in distress. He would destroy a room, show it to you, then take off running and laughing at your frustration. The only time Theo was contained was under the hypnotics of Teletubbies, while “strapped” in his highchair, right after his daily Oatmeal. He would be placed in his rails-up crib to sleep, and 10 minutes later a glance spots him back downstairs in a corner watching with that mischief smile. And please keep the outside doors closed, because an open door was an immediate exit/escape for that little boy. At three years old, his dad had to get him a toddler basketball rim to play inside the garage, because he wanted to shoot baskets on

Tyrone’s high rim in the driveway. By age 4, Theo was amazing everyone with his calculated moves and exact shots at the big rim. Theo was very outgoing. Everyone in the neighborhood knew him. They called him the Mayor. He has always had a big heart. He loved to give. He would give away items his parents just bought. He offered to those who wanted, and insisted upon those who needed. Trading was another of his options for getting things into the hands of others. Usually the trades were uneven though. There were no bars on Theo’s giving and trading. You may see one of Theo’s friends with something and

say, “I have one of those too,” just to find out that that one is your’s. “He needed one, and you don’t even use that,” he might say. “What are you doing Theo,” his mom would always ask.

Since his siblings were adults or much older than he, Theo recognized them as authorities in his life. Therefore, he established sibling relationships with his oldest nieces and nephews. Now, just because he interacted with them on sibling level, that did not mean they had equal rights. For, Theo pulled rank whenever his authority was threaten—“I’m your uncle.” But, that was clearly understood.

His relationship with his mother and father was very tight-fitted. But, Theo never liked “tight” or “fixed,” so his parents had to scramble to keep up with his fast pace. “What are you doing Theo?” His father managed and supported Theo’s physical activities, while his mother prayed for him and taught him the God’s Word. After making the most important decision of his life, to accept Jesus Christ’s atonement, Theo joined Mt. Rose Church in Dallas Texas. Under the leadership of Pastor Jeffrey Thomas, Theo and his nephew/brothers Markeit and Markal were baptized on November 7, 2012. This held as the most eventful moment in his life until he became a father. Theo said that he was brought to joyful tears at the arrival of his “My Girl” Braxtyn Kariyah Lynn Stith. “Look at that,” he said seriously while giggling. Although it’s hard to pin a time when Theo was not smiling, up to the birth of his daughter, his heart had be heavy since the loss of his mother Vikki Lynn on July 28, 2015. Suddenly, on July 15, 2022 the lively Theo Mann was tragically taken away from us. It felt like our hearts were ripped from their cages. Theo is gone. But nah, we still see you Theo, that smile, that laughter, that joy. We see your love; it is written all over your face. We hear your giggles; you made us laugh too. Nothing can kill that. We miss you Love. What are you doing Theo? Preceding him in death: his mother: Vikki Lynn Stith; his grandparents: Daniel and Melvina Fields, Ernest and Alice Stith; niece: Danielle Steverson. He leaves to mourn his loss: his beloved daughter, Braxtyn Lynn Stith; longtime companion, Laikyn Brown of Augusta, GA; his father, Gerald Stith; three sisters: Tylynn (Markeit, Sr.), Nena (LaToya), and Geton (Joesph); two brothers: Tyrone (Melissa), and Shown; Three Niece/sisters: Queen, Destini and Dynasti; three nephew/brothers: Markeit Jr., Isaiah and Markal; three aunts: Rose, Denise and Kim; four uncles: Phil, Marshall, Devon and Gerald; two Great Aunts: Minnie and P.J. (Johnny); two great uncles: Clarence and Johnny; A host of nieces and nephews; a whole lot of cousins, other relatives and friends

ORDER OF SERVICE FOR T HEO S TITH

PROCESSIONAL

SELECTION……………………….……... “Well Done” by Deitrick Haddon

SCRIPTURE READING Old Testament……………..……….……...……...…..….. Roman 12:2

PRAYER …………………………………...………….…... Melissa Johnson

OBITUARY READING………………………...………… Samirah Stevenson

REMARKS—OPEN……………………………...……………… (3 Minutes)

SOLO ……...………………………... “We Fall Down” - Donnie McClurkin

EULOGY .…………..…………………………...….…… Melissa Johnson

FINAL TRIBUTE .…….………..…………...….…… Golden Gate Directors

RECESSIONAL …………....……...………………………….…. Last Look

Thank you for being the best uncle/ brother anyone could ask for. I was always right in your eye. It wasn’t a time when you didn’t put me first. I’m gonna always be grateful for the time I had with you. You taught me a lot when my parents wasn’t there. I was with you at grandma house 24/7. From you picking me up from school to you, picking me up from the airport in ATL. I’m gonna miss all the fun we had. You were a soul that brought light anywhere you went.

W HO AM I IN C HRIST ? I am mighty like a lion Yet broken as a lamb. I am powerful beyond measure, Yet weak in my Father’s hand. I am made pure by the blood, Yet sinful at my best. I am surely redeemed, Though I failed most of my tests. I can walk with Jesus, Though I am unfit to sit at His feet, I can touch my Father’s face, Though I am unable to speak.

I have the breath of angels, Mortal though I am, And though minuscule in the grand scheme My Father rules the land. I am loved beyond the curse, And spirited beyond the grave, Who am I in Christ? I am the wretch whose life He saved.

By Ke’Andra N. Levingston

-F INAL A RRANGEMENTS E NTRUSTED T O - Golden Gate Funeral Home D R . J OHN E. B ECKWITH , S R . - F OUNDER & O WNER D ALLAS , T EXAS 214-941-7332 F ORT W ORTH , T EXAS 817-478-9555 T ALLULAH , L OUISIANA 318-574-6100 WWW . GOLDENGATEFUNERALHOME . COM