Stephanie Richards McArthur

Stephanie McArthur of Gautier, MS won her race with brain cancer on April 6, 2025, passing peacefully at her parent's home near Kosciusko, MS surrounded by family.
Funeral services are 12 noon, Friday April 11, 2025 at Culpepper Funeral Home in Kosciusko, MS. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time Friday at Culpepper.
Stephanie is survived by her husband of 23 years Walter Christopher McArthur, daughters Kathryn Elise McArthur and Elizabeth Grace McArthur, parents Thomas Edward and Corritha Lynn Richards, sister Teresa Richards Ramage (Les) and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Born in Flowood, MS, Stephanie grew up in Kosciusko, MS, the eldest daughter of Rick and Lynn Richards. She attended the Kosciusko Public Schools where she was an accomplished student and, most importantly, discovered a lifelong love of music. Her skills as a saxophonist earned her many accolades and led her to Mississippi State University where she earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree.
Stephanie proudly served as band director in the public schools of Mississippi for 24 years, with appointments in Nettleton, Enterprise, Quitman, Pascagoula, and Gautier. A singularly kind and loving educator, she motivated and inspired thousands of students in their own musical studies. Her instructional skills were notable, earning many local, state and regional acclaim. She was universally adored by her students and peers alike.