Obituary | Steven Bernard Merchant of Roanoke, Virginia

Steven Bernard Merchant was born in Roanoke, VA, on July 4, 1969, to Frances Merchant and Bernard Merchant. He was the youngest and only boy of five children. “Steve,” as he was affectionately called, went to his heavenly home on April 1, 2024.

Steven was educated in the Botetourt County school system and graduated from Lord Botetourt High School.

He was a former employee of Yokohama Tire Manufacturing and Integrity Windows and Doors. Steven was also self-employed, running his own lawn care business until his health declined.

Although Steven’s health tried to slow him down, he found joy cheering on his favorite football team, the Philadelphia Eagles, and adored midnight green, black, white, and silver.

He was the ideal “little” brother, faithfully checking in on his older sisters and his mother. Additionally, he cherished the opportunity to connect with friends, engaging in lively conversation, and catching up on each other’s lives.

Steven was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Merchant; sister, Doretha Smith; and grandparents, Frank and Marie Taylor.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Frances Merchant of Cloverdale, VA; three sisters, Syvonnie Preston of Virginia Beach, VA, Cynthia (Reverend Dr. Harvey) Saunders of Blue Ridge, VA, and Bernice Flores of Roanoke, VA; three nieces, Diana Merchant, Vanessa (Jamaw) Saunders-Green, and Melissa Saunders; one nephew, Derek Smith; two great-nieces, KaMyah Hale and Naomi Green; two great-nephews, Xavier Saunders and Isaiah Green; also left to cherish his memory are his special childhood friend, Dareen Johnson; and a host of aunts, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A public viewing will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home & Crematory. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Hamlar-Curtis Chapel. Live Streaming will be available from the Hamlar-Curtis website. Click “View Live Streaming Here” at the top of the screen. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment will be in the Saunders Family Cemetery, Blue Ridge, VA. Condolences may be sent to www.Hamlar-Curtis.com.