Mystery Steptoe Man

My husband is a STEPTOE… however he is colored. He comes from a very large family of 13, his dad was *William Payne Steptoe b. 1922- d.1979 m. Kathleen Elaine Brown they resided in BLUEFIELD, WV.
William had one sibling John Olbert Steptoe b. 1910- d. 1994 m. Elesteen L. Hill they resided in Brooklyn, NY…. ( they are also parents to the well known JOHN LEWIS STEPTOE who wrote and illustrated childrens books for the Africa Americans )
Their father *William ‘PAYNE’ Steptoe, 1887-1950 he was born in Bedford, Virginia an married Florence F Crider n lived in West Virginia and Virginia.
‘PAYNE’ Steptoe came from a large family as well. His father was *John Washington Steptoe b. 1850- d. 1924 m. Sarah Paulina Parker the resided mostly in Bedford, Virginia, but later after all children was born they moves the McDowell, West Virginia because jobs in the booming industries.
Here is where I’m stumped….
John Washington STEPTOE’S father on his marriage certificate says JOHN Steptoe and mother Phoebe Steptoe. However, on his death certificate it says JACK Steptoe and unknown for mother, it was filled in from informant which was husband of daughter.
I can’t find any direct siblings to JOHN Washington maybe a half sibling Fannie Wilkerson ( she was married to a Wilkerson )listing unknown for her father and Phoebe Steptoe for her mother.
As far in the census I can get is 1880 on John Washington Steptoe. I am assuming I’m running into a WALL because of slavery, it is aggravating.
If you have any information on colored Steptoe’s from Bedford I be great appreciate.
Regards
Tina Steptoe
Email: [contact link]
By the way the 3rd picture of the mulanto boy makes me curious… intriguing to believe it may be family.