Stephanie Anne Criner

Stephanie Anne “Stefi” Criner

Born January 26, 1963, in Orlando, Florida, Stephanie was a fifth-generation Floridian and lifelong Kissimmee resident. She was the daughter of Joe Criner and Vera Degtoff. She belonged to Kissimmee’s pioneer families: Johnson/Steffee and Overstreet/Criner.

Stefi loved animals (especially cats), Disney, and the beach. Known for her independence and determination, she once worked three jobs to buy a house and wasn’t afraid to tackle repairs herself.

She cared for her family’s historic 1894 home, “404,” near the Kissimmee lakefront and worked at John Milton Nursing Home and later at Target, where she stayed nearly 25 years.

After being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015, Stefi persevered and long surpassed the projected survival period of 18-months. She spent her final days in Tennessee under the care of Alive Hospice, passing peacefully at home on October 28, 2025, surrounded by family.

Stefi will be remembered for her resilience, strong-will, and love of animals. She is survived by her mother, Vera D. Williams; sisters, Jodi Criner and Natalya Kesler (Jay); nephews, Lee Shoaf (Rachel), Jason Sijelmassi, and Jon Luke Kesler; and her kitty, Chesterina. She was preceded in death by her father, Joe Criner; step-fathers, Val Williams and John G. Miller, Sr; maternal grandparents, Walter and Mary Steffee Degtoff and paternal grandparents, Joe Overstreet and Eileen Criner; special kitties: Snowy, Lucy Lue, Ashley, and Sparky.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Last Chance Pet Rescue or Trisha Davids of Dickson. A family memorial will be held at a later date.