Steven Maurice Wilhelm

Steven Maurice Wilhelm was born on September 21, 1957, and passed away on December 20, 2024, just before the winter solstice, when we had to endure the longest night without him.

Steve was born to Juanita Burdette and Larry Wilhelm and grew up spending a lot of time with his grandmother, Nannie Hudgins. Based on his stories, he spent much of his childhood making mischief of some kind. As a young adult, he met Nita Duncan. They fell in love and married on December 15, 1978, after only three months together. Steve and Nita had three children, Katrina, Kristin, and Steven II. They lived a life that was not always easy but was always full of love. Their adoration of each other was evident to everyone who knew them.

On Friday, December 20, Steve passed away, held and comforted by Nita and his children. He leaves behind so many who were lucky to be loved by him, including his parents, Juanita and Larry; siblings, Michael King, Gary King, and Debbie Price; cousin and close friend, Curtis Duff; his children, Katrina (Jason) Hill, Kristin (Trapper) Early, and Steven Wilhelm; and grandchildren, Halsey Hill, Stevie Hall, Ethan Hill, and Wyatt Early. The Wilhelm Household was one where everyone was welcome and included chosen family members, Wilson Farthing and Myles Houston. But none of us will mourn the loss and celebrate him more than the love of his life, Nita. We should all be so lucky to find a connection that these two shared as they created a life and legacy together.

A celebration of life will take place at Evergreen Burial Park on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m.

The family would like to thank the staff at PACE for their care over the last two years, and the medical team at Lewis Gale Medical Center, as they guided us all through these final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends a donation to a charity or organization that means the most to you. Dementia took our dad and partner from us a few years ago, but we've been grateful for the sweet moments we've found along the way. Steve loved a sweet treat (and used to hide Little Debbie cakes from his children in the kitchen), so to honor his memory, we encourage you to have a cup of coffee and a Krispy Kreme donut, maybe a milkshake, a sleeve of Oreos, or a giant bowl of cereal.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.