Savannah interchange renamed to honor late political leader Mickey Stephens

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The U.S. 80 and Truman Parkway interchange has been renamed to honor late Savannah political leader and educator Edward Mickey Stephens.

Family, friends and officials gathered for a celebration of life and bus procession led by law enforcement to the new sign just off Victory Drive.

“Let me close by saying they are going to know Mickey Stephens came through here,” said Levern Hamilton, Stephens’ sister.

The interchange has become a memorial for the political servant and long-term educator.

“It means that his spirit even though he’s not here is embedded in Savannah that he loves so much,” said Rufus Butch Stephens, his brother.

Those in attendance remembered how special Savannah was to the local and state leader.

“And so if you want to know the two things he loved, just spin around and look over at the social sciences building that you see on campus and know Representative Stephens worked tirelessly to make sure that that happened,” said state Sen. Derek Mallow, who represents Georgia’s 2nd District.

Family said the honor is something Stephens would be proud of and something he worked for his whole life.