Loving memories, longing for vengeance expressed at teen's funeral

DOLTON | A teenage boy shot to death earlier this month by Calumet City police was laid to rest Saturday as sentiment swayed between expressions of love and longing for vengeance.

On one hand, several officials referred to the gathering at New Zion Christian Fellowship Church, 14200 Chicago Road, as less a funeral and more a "home going service," by which the soul of 15-year-old Stephon Watts would ascend to Heaven.

"On Feb. 1, 2012, the Lord reached down to his garden and picked a blooming rose," evangelist Barbara Collins said.

On the other hand, several pastors warned the nearly 700 people in attendance to be wary of local law enforcement and other officials, saying they needed to send a message to police that they should not resort to violence when dealing with young blacks.

William Watts, an uncle to Stephon, said the only thought that gives him comfort about his nephew's death is that "God's vengeance will be greater than anything you or I could do."

Stephon, who was diagnosed with a form of autism known as Asperger's syndrome, was killed Feb. 1 when police were called to his home for a domestic dispute complaint.

Calumet City police officials have said Stephon grabbed a kitchen knife and cut an arm of one of the officers. Stephon's family repeatedly has said he was holding only a butter knife when he was shot. Illinois State Police are investigating the shooting.

Calumet City police officials were not on hand for Saturday's funeral, but there were uniformed and plainclothes Dolton officers paying their respects.

Among others who attended were several activists who have protested Stephon's shooting, former Chicago Alderman Bob Shaw (whose late twin brother, Bill, once was Dolton village president) and representatives of the Jamaica consulate. Stephon's mother, Danelene, was born in Cumberland, Clarendon, in Jamaica.

The Rev. Oliver Robinson at one point compared Stephon's death to the assassinations of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., saying those men's deaths resulted in "justice out of injustice."

Robinson said, "We are asking it of Stephon's death — that a lot of bright flowers will bloom."

But for Kelly Smith, a special needs teacher who had Stephon in her class at Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. School in Tinley Park, the memories are more personal.

She recalled Stephon once gave her a book that he liked to have her read to him. Smith shared the book — "Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?," by Dr. Seuss — with the mourners.

"Every time I read this book now," Smith said, "I'm going to think of Stephon and feel lucky that he was a part of my life."