DOVER - Paris E. Stevens went home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 31, 2015 at Bay Health Kent General Hospital. He was 80 years old. Paris was born on August 21, 1934 in Hartly, Delaware to the late Paris E. Stevens Sr. and Ethel Hicks Stevens. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Leon and Paul; his first wife, Harriett L. Deputy. Rev. Stevens received his elementary education at Lockwood and John Wesley Schools. He also attended Benjamin Bannecker in Milford, Delaware and completed his high school education at Delaware State College where he graduated in 1952. During 1958, Paris was instrumental in starting a group of men to sing gospel music. He named the group " The Christian Echoes". Paris sang lead and played the guitar. For many years the Christian Echoes were heard on the radio (WKEN) being the first African American group to do so. The Christian Echoes continue to sing gospel music today under the leadership of his son. Mr. Stevens worked in construction for many years as well as detailing cars. He was employed at Kraft Foods from 1964 until 1997 when he retired. He worked two jobs and was still committed to making all church services including Bible Study. Paris was a former member of Hubert AME Church in Frederica, Delaware, First Baptist in Cheswold and Calvary Baptist in Dover. He became a charter member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church of Dover where he served as a deacon for eleven years and was licensed and ordained under the leadership of Rev. Clifton V. Holmes on December 13, 1985. The Solid Rock Baptist Church of Dover called Mr. Stevens to serve as pastor. Mr. Stevens then spearheaded a church in 1988 and named the church Plain Truth Baptist Church. He spoke the Word of God in a manner that all would understand. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 12 years, Virginia M. Brown-Stevens; his five children, Lourenda P. Thomas (Van) of Camden, Veleria C. Loper (Robert), Don E. Stevens (Sherron), Barry L. Stevens, all of Frederica, and Everett F. Stevens (Toni) of Dover; and his spiritual adopted son, of Dover, Curtis Watson; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Saturday August 8, 2015 at Union Baptist Church 883 Lincoln Street, Dover. There will be a two hour viewing before the service. There will also be a public viewing Friday, August 7, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 West Division Street, Dover. All services have been entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home. Log on to www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com to leave condolences and view tributes.