Stephanie Byars

1974 - 2015

Stephanie Ann Byars
December 23, 1974 - February 1, 2015
 
 
On February 1, 2015, heaven became more beautiful when Stephanie Ann Byars, our much loved wife, daughter, sister, and friend went home to be with our Lord.    Her absence leaves sorrow and her kindness, shining personality, and selflessness cannot be replaced. 
Although her birthdate was supposed to be February 28, 1975, Stephanie arrived two months early on December 23, 1974 in Selma, California, weighing just three pounds eight ounces.  Her delighted parents were able to bring her home when she reached four pounds and in the years to come there wasn't a day when her infectious laugh and sparkling eyes weren't a blessing in the home.   She was protective of her baby brother, Dwight, who arrived three and a half years later and remained close to him throughout her life.  Stephanie was an excellent student, loved children, and initially wanted to be a pediatrician.  However, after much thought, she realized that her real passion lay in teaching.   She subsequently received her Bachelor's from Fresno State University, her teaching credential from National University and her Master's in Education Administration from Brandman University.  Stephanie was hired by Sylvan School District in Modesto, California, as a fourth grade teacher in 2002 and was a faithful and devoted educator for the next 12 and a half years until her passing.  She loved her students, going above and beyond to educate the whole child.  For the past two years, Stephanie filled the role as a Coach for Sylvan district, working enthusiastically with the coaching team and teachers until the end of her illness.  Stephanie loved the synergy that came out of brainstorming with her colleagues and in the past few months often worked from her hospital bed researching information for those that she served. 
Stephanie married her long time love, Richard Byars, on November 4, 2006 after 14 years together and established a home in Stockton where she loved attending church, serving on the alter guild and working in her garden.  Stephanie's faith in the Lord never wavered even during the most challenging of times and she thanked the Lord daily for his blessings.  She was unique and beautiful.  Although naturally quiet, Stephanie's kindness, modesty, compassion, and beauty left an impact that would have surprised her.  She changed lives and inspired those closest to her to challenge themselves personally, academically, and professionally.
Stephanie is preceded in death by her father Mel Wilson and is survived by her loving husband Richard Byars of Stockton, California; mother and step-father Paula and Garland Smith of Stockton, California; brother Dwight Wilson of Hanford, California; grandmother Myrl Higgins of Stockton, California; step-brothers "Geno" of Louisiana and Thomas Smith of Sacramento and step-sisters Suzanne Berkowitz and Lisa Smith also of Sacramento, California.  Stephanie also leaves her lifetime friends, "the sisterhood", of Selina Lopez, Liz Brown, Alice Diehl, Sherrie Spessert and Tonia Salyer in addition to countless other friends made throughout her life.  Stephanie will never know how much she was loved and how deeply she will be missed.  Friends and family may remember Stephanie at www.stephanie.byars.muchloved.com by lighting a candle or leaving other written tributes.
Services are scheduled for Saturday, March 7 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Methodist Church, located at 1625 North Lincoln Street, Stockton, CA 95204 with a luncheon reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to the Stephanie Byars Memorial Scholarship Fund at any Chase Bank branch by depositing into account 3609629506 or checks may be made out to CVCCA - Stephanie Byars Memorial Scholarship and mailed to CVCCA 8807 Thornton, Suite M Stockton, California   95209.
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