Stephanie Joyce Crowe

Stephanie Joyce Crowe, 49, died Saturday, February 17th following a brave battle with cancer. Her last days were spent just the way she wanted-surrounded by the love of her family in the comfort of her home. Stephanie was born in Athens, Georgia and was the daughter of Roger Dale and Brenda Southers Smith of Arnoldsville, Georgia. In addition to her parents, Stephanie is survived by her loving husband, Mike, of 25 years, and her beautiful daughters Makayla, Anna, and Ella. She is further survived by her grandmother, Joyce Southers, of Arnoldsville, Georgia. Stephanie was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Jimmie Southers, her paternal grandparents Mary Lou & Tom Smith, her brother Steven Smith, sister-in-law, Jennifer Smith, and niece Kirsten Smith. Stephanie was a graduate of Oglethorpe County High School and Athens Technical College. She worked for The University of Georgia for 14 years and later worked for Oglethorpe County Board of Education for 6 years. She loved being around the ladies at the central office as they made it feel a little less like work. As an active member of Temple United Methodist Church, she cherished her church family and enjoyed being a part of all the events with each changing season. Stephanie loved to cook and bake and was known for her Christmas baking. She always had a green thumb and grew the prettiest flowers each spring. Her favorites were her hydrangeas, peonies, and bearded irises. Stephanie loved to spend the summers around the water. She grew up skiing at the lake and looked forward to each summer when she could go swimming again at the pool. Stephanie and Mike met in Athens, Georgia on a blind date. Mike said it was love at first sight. They were together for 7 years before they got married on June 20th, 1998. They became proud parents of Anna in 2001, Makayla in 2005, and Ella in 2006. She always encouraged the girls to think independently but was always there when they needed advice. Stephanie was the epitome of a devoted wife and Mom.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Stephanie Joyce Crowe on April 7th at 2:00 pm at Temple United Methodist Church, 2467 Wire Bridge Rd, Arnoldsville, GA.

There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains. Stephanie’s light will forever be in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to East Georgia Cancer Coalition or the Lung Cancer Research Foundation.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com