Steve Whitby Obituary

Steve Anthony Whitby was born on April 1,1968 in Brinkley, Arkansas as the youngest of 13 children to Steve and Rowena Whitby. At a young age, the family relocated to Grand Rapids, MI where Steve attended Grand Rapids public schools and graduated from Creston High School with the class of 1986. He pursued higher education by taking classes at Grand Rapids Community College to study Business.
Steve spent the majority of his professional career working in retail sales, with over 30 years in the furniture industry. Known for his dynamic personality and sharp wit, he could sell water to a whale. More than just a salesman, Steve built genuine connections with his customers, earning their trust, respect, and often lasting friendships.
Throughout his career, Steve managed several major furniture stores, including Value City Furniture and Ashley Furniture. Later, he took a leap of faith and invested in himself, opening a number of small businesses over the years. Among them were Dollar Bargains, Sofas Your Way, Furniture for You, and Kaufman's Furniture Gallery - which continues to operate today in Grand Rapids, MI, as part of his enduring legacy.
Steve was a businessman, a devoted family man, and a friend to many - but above all, he will be remembered as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. He was baptized as a young adult by Bishop Rory R. Marshall at Nehemiah Urban Ministries in Grand Rapids, MI, where he also served faithfully as the church administrator. Steve's love for the Lord remained deeply rooted throughout his life and blossomed even more in his later years. He became a vessel for spreading God's word by sending daily prayer texts, leading a weekly family prayer call, and sharing inspirational messages as Sermon Steve on his YouTube channel.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents: Steve and Rowena Whitby, Brothers: Michael Whitby, Calvin Whitby, Milton Whitby, and Sisters Georgia Parrish, Carrie Jean Whitby; father-in-law, Frederick Kaufman.
Steve joined his mother and father in the presence of the Lord and Savior on July 8, 2025 surrounded by his family with love and prayer for a peaceful transition. He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy his loving wife of nearly twenty years, Erica Kaufman-Whitby; his 5 children: daughters Jatori Whitby and Evyn Whitby of Atlanta, GA; Laila Whitby of Grandville, MI and sons Marquise Green of Atlanta, GA; and Carsen Whitby of Grandville, MI. His three grandchildren: Christian Arriola, Ella Arriola, and Emma Arriola of Atlanta, GA.
Five sisters: Charlene (Fred) Johnson, Berniece Brewer, Delores Whitby, Maxine Whitby, Dorothy Jean Whitby, and three brothers; Clarence Whitby, Winston Eric (Annette) Whitby, Bernard (Lissette) Whitby; mother-in-law Sandra Smith, two brother-in-laws; Justin Baker and Onaje Kaufman, one sister-in-law; Monique Kaufman, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.