Stephanie Smith

Sunrise
Stephanie was born on March 29th in Orlando Florida, 1961 to Dixon and Beverly Smith. Her childhood was filled with numerous adventures and opportunities as her father's career in Aerospace presented many locations for growing up including, Orlando Florida, El Paso Texas, and Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
Stephanie graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's in Forensic Science with a special focus in chemistry in the Fall of 1985. Stephanie's love of chemistry and science would never wane, and throughout her career, she embraced extensive opportunities to work and study, giving invaluable contributions to the science community. Work history included the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Commonwealth of Virginia, Dallas County Medical Examiner, all leading to her eventual career with the US Postal Inspection Service in Dulles, Virginia. Retaining a steadfast commitment to learning, Stephanie attained her Master's Degree in Biodefense from George Mason University in 2018. Stephanie completed her career Serving as the Scientific and Technical Advisor at the US Postal Inspection Service.
Scientific contributions included serving as a diplomat of the American Board of Criminalistics, The American Academy of Forensic Science and The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors. Stephanie leaves a legacy of vast accomplishments including extensive scientific papers, publications, and teaching experiences.
In addition to her work legacies, Stephanie maintained an interest in social causes including the Cato Institute, Institute for Justice, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Habitat for Humanity, where she participated in the construction of homes for the indigenous peoples in such countries as Peru and Honduras.
Stephanie had extensive hobbies and interests including wood working, building structures and gardens, writing, and traveling. Stephanie visited such places as Scotland, Alaska, Galapagos, Ecuador, Ireland, Africa, and Iceland. On the horizon, was an upcoming trip to South Africa and to the Antarctic. Stephanie saw the world and the world knew she was in it.
Setting her sights on retirement Stephanie purchased a beautiful historic home on the Perquimans River in Hertford, NC. Using her gifts of building and gardening, Stephanie transformed her home into a place of peace and solitude and left her beloved Virginia and moved to the river with her much-loved dog, Gowan, in October 2021.
Sunset
Surrounded by friends and family, Stephanie Smith, age 60, beloved daughter, sister, and friend to many, passed away peacefully in her home by the river on December 25th, 2021. Stephanie passionately embraced her friends and family, beloved animals, work life, and social justice causes. She gave generously and loved her endeavors deeply. Stephanie thanks you for being a part of her life. Her passing will be met with profound sadness by her friends and family and scientific community; however, her legacy will live on in the work she has done, and her soul will be forever part of the sunrise and sunsets at her home by the river. Please keep this in your heart as you remember Stef, a quote she lived "All who wander are not lost". May you also embrace this love of life. Stephanie is survived by Steven Dixon Smith and wife, Sue Smith, Dunnellon, Florida and Sheri Elizabeth Roberts, Tucker, Georgia. Nephews and Nieces: Steel Brandon Smith, Dunnellon, Florida, Samantha Lynn Dortch, Dunnellon, Florida, Lucy Isabella Roberts, Czech Republic, and Olivia Grace Roberts, Tucker, Florida. Aunts and uncles: Dorothy and Mitchell Smith, Lakeland, Florida and Phillip and Sherry Miller, Toledo, Ohio.
Please stay in touch regarding her celebration of life service, which will be held in April in Northern Virginia. Twiford Funeral Home, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 is serving the family of Stephanie Smith. Online memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.TwifordFH.com. To plant a tree in memory of Ms. Smith, please visit www.TwifordFH.com/send-flowers.
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