Don "Stebo" Stephen Ferri

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Don Stephen Ferri Jr., “Stebo,” announce his passing from this world on April 18, 2026, into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS. Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow at 2:30 p.m. Interment will be at the North Cleveland Cemetery.

After a long grueling and incredibly courageous battle with Leukemia cancer, Stebo is finally at peace.

Stebo fought with unwavering strength through his whole difficult journey being fearless every step of the way.

His battle was marked by resilience, bravery, and a determination that inspired everyone around him. Though his fight was hard and relentless, Stebo’s spirit never wavered. He never questioned the Lord or lost his faith during his long exhausting 9-month battle.

Everyone who knew Stebo knew he was a genuinely kindhearted and compassionate soul who would give you anything you asked for or needed. He treated everyone he met with the same dignity and respect; he never met a stranger and was known far and wide by many.

Stebo was truly loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and unwavering love that will never be matched.

Known for his smart mouthed sense of humor, to say the least, truthful demeanor and quick wit even in life’s difficult moments he could make anyone laugh.

Stebo’s impact on the lives of others will never be forgotten. Though he is no longer with us, his light lives on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Stebo started working and driving heavy equipment at an early age. He was always fixing or rebuilding anything he could get his hands on. From working for the Redwine’s for 9 years, who quickly became family, to working on the family farm when he got home. His work ethic was unmatched. He took a job as a mechanic for the city of Cleveland Public Works Dept in 2013 and quickly worked his way up to supervisor under the Direction of Ray Bell, who took him under his wing, and treated him like a son, and molded him to the Director he was for the City of Public Works since 2021.

Stebo attended Margaret Green, Cleveland High School, and Eminence High School throughout his education.

Stebo was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed his time spent on the water in his boat fishing. He said that was the place he felt closest to the good Lord, where they would talk for hours. He also enjoyed spending his time with family and his side kick, Levi.

He is predeceased by maternal grandparents, Faye and Lee Parham; paternal grandparents, Victor Ferri and Bernice Crocker; uncles Harvey and Walter Ferri, David Fortenberry Jr.; and cousins Tiffany Crocker, Kade Givens, and Olivia Broussard.

Stebo is survived by his loving wife, Ashley Hocutt; mother, Stacy Ferguson; father, Don Ferri; brother, Josh Haynes (Amery); sisters, Eliza Joseph (Zack) and Amanda Wood (Mike) nieces and nephews, Madelyn, Karlie, Aiden, & Levi; grandfather, David Fortenberry (Hilda); his beloved dog, Ruger; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that were family.

Pallbearers will be Lucas Thompson, Tommy Haynes, Bill York, Austin Robinson, Josh Haynes, Dudley Tribble, BJ Horne, and Benny Haynes. Also including, Honorary Pallbearers, cousins, brother-in-laws, Public Works employees, Lance Parham, PeeWee & Danny Redwine.