Stephen Michael Cleveland, age 58 of Marble, NC passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026 at his home.
He was born in Gastonia, NC to Steven Eugene and Janice Mae Postell Cleveland. His parents had roots in these mountains but met while in the Marines and after graduating Stephen followed in his father's footsteps and became a US Marine Veteran himself. Upon discharge he started a plumbing business (All About Plumbing and Backhoe Services) in Jacksonville, NC. When he began to once again feel the "pull of the mountains", he bought land in Marble in 2007. He married his best friend and love of his life, Elizabeth Taylor Cleveland in 1998 and they moved to this area in July of 2015. Stephen was a master plumber and brought his then small business to the mountains. He proved to be a very good businessman and his skills as a plumber, his integrity and his worth ethics brought his business great success. He loved serving the town of Murphy and the Town of Murphy loved him. His "hobbies" were building his relationship with his wife, working on his property, fishing and taking walks in the woods with his wife and dog, Oso. Stephen was not only a successful entepeneur but he was hands on in building his home and his shop on the land of their dreams.
In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by one daughter Tabitha Kaye Baker of Hubert, NC and two grandchildren, Autumn and Jordon Smith; a special aunt, Bonnie Postell; and a friend and prayer warrior, Melisa Larey.
A memorial service will be held at 5 PM, Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. Rev. Marcus Larey will officiate and a eulogy will be given by Tom Kopetzky.
The family will receive friends from 4pm - 5pm, Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Valley River Humane Society, P.O. Box 658, Murphy, NC 28906.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
Belinda Darlene Hardin 
