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Stephanie "SammyBear" Taylor
Stephanie "SammyBear" Taylor
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Stephanie Taylor Obituary
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Stephanie Taylor was the beloved daughter of Debbie Frank and Charles Melvin. Born in Panama City, Florida, she spent much of her childhood traveling across the United States with her mother, experiencing a variety of places and landscapes that shaped her adventurous spirit. She returned to Panama City during her high school years to live with her father and graduated from Rutherford High School.
The summer after graduation, Stephanie welcomed her daughter into the world - a moment that would define her life. Of all the roles she ever held, being a mother was the one she cherished most.
Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Stephanie enlisted in the United States Army. After completing basic training, she was stationed at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. Following a medical discharge, she returned to Panama City, where her life continued to be marked by service, heart, and connection.
Stephanie dedicated time to the Bay County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue team, where she gave her energy and compassion to helping others in times of crisis. This work reflected the core of who she was - someone who showed up when others needed her most.
She also found her place behind the bar, working in some of Panama City Beach's most well-loved establishments. With her quick wit, creative flair, and unmatched ability to make anyone feel seen, Stephanie became a local legend in the service industry. Whether teaching someone how to make a perfect drink or simply sharing a smile, she left her mark on countless lives.
She was a devoted mother, a fiercely loyal friend, a passionate community servant, and one of the most magnetic and kindhearted people anyone could hope to know.
A memorial service will take place on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home with Rev. Craig Brannon officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Heritage Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Stephanie "SammyBear" Taylor.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephanie, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Anna Morgan
June 7, 2025
This is not a day I ever thought I would face, and my heart is so very heavy. You were so much to so many, and the very idea of you not continuing that is so foreign to me. Through all the many years of our friendship, you encouraged me, cheered for me, got angry with me, laughed and cried with me, and above all, loved me and made me a part of your family. I'm blessed you were a major part of my life, and I know we will see each other again. Save me a seat, sister!
Melissa Gregory
June 4, 2025
Chris Hunter
June 4, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with the family on such a sad occasion. She was such a bright light and kind person. My sympathies, Chris Hunter
PANDA
June 2, 2025
Panda´s SammyBears
I don´t think this is goodbye. I´ll see you again and again in all the beautiful things in this world & I´ll find you inside of every laugh. I am sure in another time and place we will have bear adventures again.
Until then... all my love and gratitude for sharing a piece of this existence with you.
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Scott Bissonnette
June 2, 2025
Stephanie I love you so very much, you gave me a chance when others didn´t see the potential in me. You were like a mother to me who homed me when I was in coming home from Afghanistan, a big sister when I needed life advice, and a guardian angel in times of need. I´m so grateful our paths crossed on the rooftop of the Pearl as we danced slinging drinks to the gulf´s sunsets night after night roughly 9 years ago. I love you, your family, and all of those lives you´ve made such an incredible impact on, you truly are one of a kind.
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