Stephen Bernard Canty

On January 11, 1973, God gifted the late Nadine McMillian and the late Wiley Cowart with a stunning baby boy who they named Stephen Bernard “Steve” Canty. He became a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who touched the lives of many.

Stephen’s educational journey began in the Crenshaw County School System. He graduated from Brantley High School on May 31, 1991. It was always clear that Stephen was destined to make a significant impact on the world around him.

As a proud veteran, Stephen served his country in the U. S. Navy before embarking on a notable career as a correctional officer at Easterling Correctional Facility, where he dedicated twenty-seven years of service. His commitment to his work was paralleled by his devotion to his faith as a minister of Hines Chapel in Dothan, Alabama, there he found strength and community. Through Stephen’s journey he became a mentor and role model. He balanced life daily by spending numerous hours weightlifting and in the gym. To know him was to love him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and one stepbrother, Jeffrey Cowart.

Stephen navigated life’s challenges with grace and left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him. Almost everything that he did was to support them, and he was a formidable force in that capacity. However, on June 24, 2024, he heard the call from God and answered, knowing that his job had been completed. He leaves to cherish his memories: a loving wife of nearly eighteen years, Cynthia Canty; three children, Anphernee Canty, Naja Canty, and Kayla (Lauryn) Canty; a bonus son, Dezmond Gant; a cherished grandson, Miles Lewis; a loving grandmother, Lizzie Garner, a loving sister, Diane (Thomas) Smith; step-siblings, Willie Cowart, Martha Cowart, Rena Cowart, and Rickey Cowart; his in-laws, Tony (Vern) Jones, Tonya (Patrick) Brooks, and Timothy Thomas Brooks; along with a host of aunts and uncles; nieces, and nephews; and other family members and friends that are too numerous to name.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 2:00pm at Hines Chapel AME Church in Dothan with Pastor Paul Horn officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park.