Royce J. Stephens was born on January 30, 1953, in Louisville, MS to Elijah and Alice Elizabeth Stephens. As a child he accepted Christ as his personal savior at New Zion M.B. Church. He attended schools and graduated from Camille Street High School with the class of 1970. While in school, he excelled in football & baseball. Royce would enroll in Jackson State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education in 1975. He furthered his education at Jackson State University obtaining his master's degree in physical education in 1977. He later obtained an admin. certification in educational leadership in 1997 at the University of Mississippi and completed the principal's institute in 2008 in Jackson, MS.

Royce began his career in education in 1977 as a permanent substitute teacher in the Saginaw schools. He relocated to Mississippi and began his teaching and coaching career with the Noxubee County Schools. While at Noxubee, he was a football coach, head baseball coach, and high school P.E. Coach until 1987. Royce's journey in education continued to the Aberdeen Schools from 1987-1997. During his tenure, he was a P.E. Coach for 6th grade-12th Grade, Boy's Track, Head Middle School & Freshmen Boys' Basketball Coach, Asst. High School Football Coach, Freshmen Football, Athletic Director, and the "first black" head football coach of the Aberdeen football team. He was also a bus drive and served a term on the Aberdeen School Board. Royce returned his grass roots of Louisville, MS where he taught: P.E. for K-3, High School Boy's Track, Asst. Junior and High School Football Coach. His last years of service were in the Noxubee County schools serving as Athletic Director, Asst. Principal, Principal of Noxubee County High School, and Director of Drug Program. In 2011, Royce retired from education with 32 years after touching so many lives and leaving his mark on young children in various counties.

Royce's love for children continued outside of the school walls. He along with his wife of 30 years, Lue, fostered many children. These children have ventured into their own successful lives due to the love and nurturing provided at a young age by Royce and Lue. He was a member of Greater Ebeneezer M.B. Church. He served as a president of the trustee board, and later became a deacon in 2016. His favorite past times were fishing, gardening, barbecueing, cooking, traveling, and watching westerns, especially "Gunsmoke", and sports. He developed a love for Victor Newman on Young and The Restless soap opera. He also enjoyed watching Jerry Springer. Royce's favorite football team was the Green Bay Packers.

Royce transitioned from earthly life to eternal life on Sunday, May 21, 2023, in Amory, MS. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: James Stephens, Carl Stephens, and Russell Stephens, Sr; brothers-in-law, Milton McDonald and Benny Hoskins; and sisters-in-law, Eva Stephens and Esteria Hoskins

Royce's memories will forever be cherished by: his wife, Lue Stephens of Aberdeen, MS; his children: Tonia (Eric) Parramore-Spears of Spring, TX, LaShanda Hoskins and Marcus O. Collins, Sr. both Aberdeen, MS; grandchildren: Amaia, Brooklyn, Ambria, Gabrielle, Marcus, Jr.,  Mariah, Samyah, Haleigh, Marcus O.; bonus grandchildren: Andrew, Davon, Dejuan, and Robert; his "pickle-boo" and "heart" who stood by him night and day, Te'ylor; his siblings: Mattie (Lodeun) Brown, Bettie Lee McDonald, Deborah Felicia Stephens all of Saginaw, MI, and Crandale (Ursula) Stephens of Louisville, MS;  a loving mother -in-law, Lucille Hoskins; brother-in-law, Eddie (Carolyn) Hoskins; sisters-in-law: Hattie Stephens, Mary Helen Collins, Andrea Collins, Renee Holmes, and Brenda Collins; a special niece, Portia Davis, and special nephews, Chris Stephens and Cornelius Miller; his bonus children: Nick Holliday, Lakesha Winters and Cornelius Miller; best friend, Thomas (Sandra) Billups; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.