Ernestine Gloria (Brelond) Stevens

Ama, our beloved mother, also known as Ernestine “Tina” Keturah Chaneyfield Stevens, was the firstborn child of Katherine Primus Brealond and Toney Brealond. She was born on June 11, 1938, in Hardeeville, South Carolina, and departed this life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 3, 2026.
She was the cherished sister of Dr. Francis Blackshear and brothers Don (Adrian) Brealond, Stan (Debra) Brealond, Ronald Brealond, and Tony Brealond, who preceded her in death.
In the early 1950s, Ama migrated north in search of new opportunities. She often said she was “going to new grounds to jump Jim Crow.” Later, she married Enoch Chaneyfield of Ridgeland, South Carolina, who lived “right across the tracks.” From this union, four children were born: Victor, Devorah, Melahn, and Sharoya. Their marriage lasted from 1956 to 1970.
Ama possessed a beautiful voice and loved singing and playing the piano. Another one of her great passions was bowling, where she held one of the highest women’s averages during her time. In the 1970s, she proudly represented the United States on a bowling team that traveled to Venezuela. She was also crowned Queen of The National Bowling Association (TNBA), formerly known as The National Negro Bowling Association.
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Ama was employed at the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) on 125th Street in Harlem, New York. There, she served as Executive Secretary to Dorothy Height, who later became president of the National Council of Negro Women. Ama also worked as an Executive Secretary at European American Bank on Wall Street.
While living in New York, she met and later married James “Jomo” Stevens. Together, they eventually relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Little did they know the tremendous impact they would have on the African American community through their vision, creativity, and cultural pride.Using her gifts as a seamstress and businesswoman, Ama helped establish the Wood Street Emporium, which operated from 1987 to 2002 at 1019 Wood Street. The impact that Jomo and Sister Keturah made on the community was phenomenal. Lives and minds were changed forever, and a deeper appreciation for African culture was cultivated within all who entered its doors. Jomo introduced drumming, while Ama introduced African clothing, and together they provided books and resources that inspired many to gain knowledge of self and heritage.
After the Wood Street Emporium closed in 2002, Ama began working at the Wilkinsburg Police Department, serving faithfully under the Chief of Police, Ophelia Coleman until her retirement in 2021.Ama was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Sharoya Llopiz; her brother, Tony Brealond; her former husbands, Enoch Chaneyfield and James Jomo Stevens; and granddaughter, Keyanna Brown.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her children, Victor (Cender) Chaneyfield, Devorah Brown, and Melahn (Veronica) Chaneyfield; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchild; her sister, Dr. Francis Blackshear; brothers, Don (Adrian) Brealond, Stan (Debra) Brealond, and Ron Brealond; along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, dear friends, and all whose lives she touched.
Ama’s life was one of courage, culture, excellence, and service. Her legacy of strength, wisdom, creativity, and love will continue to inspire generations to come.
 

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