Stacy Lynn Dollahite

"Be grateful for the past, and hopeful for the future." This is the phrase our family has repeated over and over these last few weeks. It's easy to be grateful for the past, as memories of happy times flood in. But how can you be hopeful when you feel so hopeless or even helpless? This was the question Stacy spent her life answering. She always found hope in every moment. Even in the darkest times, she thanked God for every experience.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Stacy Lynn Dollahite will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 12:30 pm at the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul located at 1435 ESE Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75701. Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, Rosary from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on November 1, 2024 at Stewart Family Funeral Home located at 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy Tyler, TX 75703.
Stacy Dollahite, beloved wife, mother, Lil' Mama, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 59 on October 28, 2024. She was truly one in a million.
Born in Freeport, IL, Stacy moved to Tyler, TX, in 1995, where she built a beautiful life. In 2005, she married the love of her life, Keith, and together they raised six children: Meghan (married to Brendon), Ryan (married to Kelsey), Natalie (married to Gio), Drew (married to Alex), Elise (married to Tanner), and Reid. Stacy was a proud Lil' Mama to six grandchildren – Rhett, Evie, Eli, Ben, Graham, and Owen – and eagerly awaited the arrival of two more, Isabella and Baby Hays. She is also survived by her mother, Carolyn, her stepfather, Larry, her sister, Julie, and her brother, Steve (married to Lynn).
Stacy was an avid runner, finding joy in the quiet of early mornings and the beauty of sunrises. After her runs, she often remarked that it was the best way to start the day. Her most cherished moments were spent with friends during these early hours, sharing life's stories. There's no telling how many miles she covered as she ran four marathons and dozens of other races. Her very first marathon was in Dallas, where she set out to achieve her goal of completing a marathon-only to discover she had qualified for the Boston Marathon, an opportunity she couldn't pass up even though she had no plans for a second marathon. Her passion for running inspired her children to join her, and one of her greatest honors was running half marathons with them. Stacy's wisdom and positivity stemmed from the discipline she found in running: "One foot in front of the other," "You are capable of more than you know," "The possibilities are endless," and her kids' personal favorite, "You'll be fine."
Stacy also found her second home in Navarre, FL, where she loved spending time with her husband and family. It was more than just a vacation spot; it was a haven. Countless memories were made during those trips, with Stacy as the first one down at the beach and the last one up for the day, enjoying an evening porch swing overlooking the ocean with her husband, Keith, to close each perfect day.
Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her in everything she did. She found peace in daily Mass, Adoration, praying the Rosary, and volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop. Stacy radiated joy when sharing her faith with others, and her devotion was evident in every aspect of her life. She had a way of making people feel seen and heard, offering a calming voice in a chaotic world and making difficult decisions look effortless-all of which can be attributed to her deep faith. She did everything for the right reasons, and people felt special after interacting with her. Her final words to her family were, "I'm not scared."
Stacy's legacy is one of love, resilience, and unwavering faith. Her family will always remember her for the wisdom she imparted, the strength she embodied, and the boundless love she shared. While the void left behind is immeasurable, the hope she instilled in everyone she touched will carry on, offering comfort in the face of sorrow. Stacy will forever be missed but never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701, or St. Vincent de Paul Tyler, 410 S. College Ave., Tyler, TX 75702.