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George Franco
September 29, 2021
Dear Steve and Family,
I never forget how wonderful she was to me.
Stephanie was a very Special person.
God Bless her.
I hope all is well Steve.
GF
Kristi Hall-Baldwin
September 29, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful woman. We will love you and miss you always.
George Franco
September 29, 2020
Time just goes by.
Remembering Stephanie as an elegant woman and loyal friend. Was always there to help me. You are missed everyday! God Bless You Forever.
Kristi Baldwin
September 25, 2016
I can't believe it's been 10 years. I miss her still and think of her and Steve, Stevie and Dallas all the time. I hope you are all well and know that she touched my life and I am so grateful for the things she shared with me.
The twins
catherine Gater-Green
September 27, 2015
Its been 9 years since my sister past away. I still miss her everyday. I know that she is in a better place but I wish she was here. She never got to meet the "Twins" her special Niece and Nephew...You will always be in my heart. I love you Steph..
Niecy Gater
October 5, 2007
It has been a year! I still hold my pillow at night and cry myself to sleep. I know Stephanie is not in pain anymore . One day my pain will stop. I keep telling myself I am going to see Stephanie face to face and then I can smile again.
your big sis Niecy
Kristi Baldwin
September 30, 2007
Well a year has gone by since you left this physical place, however your spirit continues to touch us even now. I still miss you terribly and think about you often.
George Franco
January 30, 2007
Steve:
Just a short note.
I always think of you and sincerely hope u r well.
With much love,
George Franco
Mike & Lori Kelly
January 29, 2007
We met Stephanie on a cruise from New Orleans a few years ago. She was such a fun-loving and personable lady. We loved her and her family immediately. She will be truly missed.
Iantress Bennett
October 29, 2006
I missed the beautiful homegoing celebration for Stephanie, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. To the Darden and Gater families, I extend my heart felt condolences.
Steve,
My heart truly goes out too you and the children. I will forever remember Stephanie and the happiness she brought to you and the entire world.
Mr. & Ms. Gater, thanks for sharing such a precious jewel with us.
Praying from the east coast,
Iantress Bennett (Sheila Payton's baby sis)
Robin Dickerson
October 20, 2006
Steve, Stevie and Dallas
So many thoughts, so few words.
Trust GOD. Know that HE loves you and HE will take good care of Stephanie. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and the Gater family.
Love always, your Friend
Robin Norman Dickerson
ELISE "SISSY"JENNEFORD BRACY
October 20, 2006
STEVE, STEVI, AND DALLAS
THANK YOU FOR SHARING STEPH WITH ME.
FROM THE DUCK TAIL HAIR STYLE AND PRELUDE TO THE PEUGOT GOING TO LUNCH. THE MOVIE BEACHES AND ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN (OH YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE), UNTIL NOW. SHE IS A CLASS ACT.
Monique Gater
October 19, 2006
I would like to thank everyone for your support, flowers, and food. Stephanie was a wonderful person, she was my best friend and my "Big Sis" I will miss her deeply but i know that she is with the Almighty God and he is taking care of her. I promised you, Steph that I would get my life right and I have so I will see you again. I love you and miss you. To Steve thank you for being an awesome husband to my sister and a wonderful father to Stevi and Dallas. To Dallas and Stevi I love you guys and I will always be here for you. To dad and mom we know that she is in good hands so don't cry but be happy that God is taking care of her now. I love you guys. To my other Big Sis (Niecy) its just you and me now so lets make sure we stay close and always remember all the good times we had with Steph. I love you.
Edgar L. Gater
October 19, 2006
The Gater Family would like to say "THANK YOU" to everyone for there prayers and support. Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Gater been bless to have three wonderful girls. Janice, Stephanie and Catherine (monique). And Stephanie is with the Lord right now. We will see her again in Heaven.
Carla Furman
October 18, 2006
Steve, Dallas, Stevi and the Gater Family,
There is so much I could say about Stephanie. She was so beautiful and always smiling. I thank God that I had the opportunity to go on the cruise in 2004 with all of you. In those 7 wonderful days, I witnessed a loving marriage between Stephanie and Steve. That's all I could ask for when I marry again someday. Stephanie was and still is an inspiration to me. I often think that I want to be just like her when I grow up. :) One day I sent her an email to encourage her and she in turn encouraged me. At the time I was going through some changes but my problems were very small compared to what she was battling. In spite of, she was able to still say "Thank you Jesus!" I stopped trippin' about my "little" problem and gave thanks to God also. Stephanie and I shared a scripture that keeps me going from day to day. Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord - Plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." That is the scripture I used to encourage her back in March 2006. Be blessed family because Stephanie's future is with Jesus.
Sylvia Love
October 17, 2006
It is with deep sympathy they we let you know that it is only natural to miss her, but remember that no matter what she is in a better place and smiling down on you and your family. I am so happy that she came into my life only for a little while but the smile and the joy she had is a memory I will always take with me.
Sincerely Sylvia Love and Husband Greg
Charay Ewing
October 17, 2006
Stephanie
I did not know you personally but I know you through my boyfriend, Randall Gater. From the stories he told me, I feel as if I do know you and I am touched by your radiance. You must have been a special woman to touch the heart of Randall. I wish I could have gotten to know you but we will all meet in the universe once again called Heaven and I am sure I will know you by your radiant smile.
May the angels of Heaven guide you on your new and profound journey...
Love always
Charay (Randy's Girlfriend)
Randall Gater
October 17, 2006
This was suppose to be read at Stephanie's Celebration of her life
but for reasons beyond my control, I could not be there. So this is
in honor of my little sis with a special love:
In giving honor to you little sis I keep imagining things you'd say
if you were with me now, or the way you would laugh if something
funny happened and the next thing I know I'm day dreaming about all
the things we have done. The many many conversations we've had and
I start to hear your voice and see your smile!
"Hay big bro I am here" (I hear you say) Girl I'm going to do this
like we always do! Allowing my soul to be filled with the warmth of
your presence! and I-we are going to ask all those gathered here
today to be apart of what you and I often share.
Webster's define "go" as to be habitually in a certain state-to
become lost, consumed or spent-also die- to become impaired or
weaken. To put or subject oneself to function properly-to be
known-to contribute to a result-to be acceptable, satisfactory or
adequate-to arrive at a certain state or condition...
And truly love is the most profound cosmos phenomenon, state, and
condition there is- it opens to man the fourth dimensional world-
the world of the wondrous-I Cor 13 states love is the greatest gift
of all because love is God in manifestation, and the strongest
magnetic force in the universe. Just look around at all who have
gathered in honor of love. Our love for and of you Stephanie.
We all come together out of not only the love we have but for the
love you exhibited daily. We salute the divine in you! How you
have touched all our lives in very special ways. Allowing us to
take what we have learned from you and move forward in celebration,
because we now have an angel watching over us, whispering in our
ears.
An angel that we have had the honor, joy, and blessing of sharing
time on this Earth with. The Bible states that the battle is God's
not man's and that man is to always stand still and see the
salvation of the lord and truly you have allowed us to see God's
light shining bright in you and you tried to always exhibit honor
and your higher self. Love, Truth, Mercy, Justice and Peace which
are the mother of virtues and the harmonies of life.
You truly are a warrior baby girl. Truly living by the quotation of
Judging people not by their failure but by their dreams not by their
imperfections, but by their possibilities not by their past, but by
their future. You allowed us to see the slender of winter
relationships the joys of passing the baton of your wisdom and
strength to family.
And when I say family, I am talking about from one continuum to the
next. You brought to the task a trait born of your heritage, a peculiar passion for life so great that it touched people in ways
through out the spectrum that one can not begin to convey in words.
Proverbs 18:24: These are binds that are stronger than blood. and
your existence showed us how no man lives unto himself that every
living thing is bound by cords to every other living thing. Love.
Pure in heart.
And it hurts so that even though Proverbs 25:2 Say it is the glory
of God to conceal a matter, but the Glory of Kings (and Queens) is
to search out a matter. So in our finite humanness we ask why.
Cause we love and miss you so. You are an element, a component, or
constituent of whole, that cannot be separated nor erased by
chemical means, a natural habitat, environment, nor death. Because
your existence has been esoteric, gnosistic, knowledge of the divine
and presence an exoteric blessing.
I say look around. From your mother and father, Stevi, Dallas,
Steve, to your sister, uncle Henry, my mother, Karla Robin, Glades,
Cookie, Shawn, Donnie, Stella, Michelle, Roxanne, Wayne, the whole
(too many for me to name at this time), Do-Rock, Pasadena, Disney
and more. You have touched so many lives, extending the family.
Many have not seen, let alone talk to each other in years, but we
have all come to show that no matter how many different branches
grow upon this family tree, one must always be united.
And you can rest assure that because of you this family tree will
continue to grow and bear fruit each new life line will carry on the
rich tradition you exhibited of unity, love and success.
Yes Stephanie, your immaculate essence graced us, and will always be
immanent.(Remaining within) It's no wonder you are one of Walt
Disney Finest. And speaking on even a more personal note for
Stephanie was a very special and unique person. I mean think about
it. As we journey through live we meet many people but only a few of these leave a lasting impression that warms the heart and brings
a smile every time the thoughts occur. These are special people.
Who's Charisma and unique qualities shine to touch and brighten
every ones life they meet.
And that's truly Stephanie. She has a unique unparalleled
incomparable synthesis of strength and beauty. Even though I try
these and no other words can adequately describe the essence of such
a beautiful Ebony Queen the Rarity of her truly shows the quality in
which black women have defined and redefined feminity through out
the history of civilization. There are so many jewels which
emphasize her special character, charm, strength, attitude,
charisma, compassion, vision, independence, intelligence, grace and
dignity. You cultivated your mind with knowledge. The improvement
of the arts, and their utility to the public and your delight and
honor. Not to omit the fact that the attainment of Virtue you
accounted as the highest learning and the science of happiness is
the true study of life. Truly we acknowledge Almighty's Goodness in
you this day and always in our hearts and minds. Those who
attendance today and more testify to what your ability to be not
only a friend to mankind, but also to what the heart of a benevolent
woman or man produces. The constancy of your Virtue has crowned you
with honor. Many souls have been enslaved by your enchanting beauty
with is as bright as the stars of heaven. Virtue and Modest
enlightens your charm. Your smile radiate like a garden of roses
and the innocence of your eyes is like that of the turtle.
Simplicity and truth dwell in your heart.
Well, Steph, I could go on and on and on you know how we do Lil sis.
We have always talked things over. Always cried together. Always
laughed together. The last time we talked I felt your pain. Even
though you tried to be so upbeat consoling me about my false
imprisonment, I felt you hurting and didn't know how to protect you
this time... You know how I do.
And as I envision your angelic smile right now I can truly see God
Blessing you with the ability to become our soft voice of
inspiration which frequently speaks to us and silently plants
liberating ideas in our minds and heart. And as long as the sun
shines in the sky and the wind blows upon the bills...
As long as the flower's keeps on blooming I will love and honor you
Lil Sis. Love and Prayers Cuzs...
Always your Big Bro
Randy Gater
MeChale Fisher-Gilmore
October 16, 2006
Steve,
Stevi and Dallas
I was very hurt to hear that My Dear Friend ( Family) Had fell asleep
with Our God. Stephanie was to me no less then a angel and
will be missed. Steve you and the kid will be forever in my prayer.
Judi Washington-Estep
October 12, 2006
Steve & Family,
Thank you for sharing Stephanie with us. She was truly an angel and what a blessing to have had her in our lives. I will forever remember her smile, her wit, and her courage....Steph will forever be in our hearts.
As the wind blows, feel her strength and hear her whisper of love, she will always be with you...Stay Strong!
Much love always,
Judi
Stephanie (Dias) Chavous
October 11, 2006
Steve,
When Stephon told me of your sorrow, I was at a loss for words. I had recently seen you and your wife within the last two years. What a beautiful couple.
There are no words that I can say to brighten your days right now. Having suffered many losses over the years, I can tell you only God can minister to your deepest hurts. Continue to trust him.
Please let us know if there is anything at all we can do for you.
Angelique Burton
October 11, 2006
Steve & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss,and I want to extend my deepest sympathies. My thoughts & prayers are with you. May God be with you and your loved ones.
Love,
Angie Burton & Family
Willie Jones
October 9, 2006
The Darden,Johnson and Gater Family.
we are so sorry for your lost of Stephanie she was a GREAT PERSON. May GOD bless your family.
Willie Jones and Family of Grand Prairie Tx
Bill and Renita Galloway
October 9, 2006
Our deepest sympathy in your time of mourning. May God keep and bless you.
Ivan Hall
October 9, 2006
Hey steph this Is Your little cousin Ivan. You will be missed but carried in our hearts You were the most joyful, cheerful person I know always positive. Even though we have a good 24 yrs between us for some reason I feel so close to you as if your watching over me right now. Your an ANGEL steph and the family will forever carry you with us. Im going to make that music for you to its goin well & with you watchin over me I have no worries, im on my way! LOVE YOU STEPH & ALL MY FAMILY!!!! STEPH CAN NEVER BE REPLACED...
Cynthia Gonzalez
October 8, 2006
Darden & Gater Families,
Thank You! for sharing such a wonderful person with us. Stephanie made such a positive impact in my life ~ I will miss her deeply but will always remember her kind words and beautiful smile.
God Bless!
andrea wicks
October 7, 2006
Darden Family,
My prayers are with you. May God Bless you all, love Andrea Wicks
Shaun Bellamy-Smith
October 7, 2006
To the Darden-Gater Family I am so sorry for your lost my Prayers are with you in this time of sorrow I have let to many years go by without keeping in touch with a dear friend and family.I will keep you in my prayers.
Ronette Bell
October 7, 2006
Your family is in our prayers. Stephanie will be greatly missed by anyone one that knew her. She was one of those people that you feel blessed to have known her. Her sweet spirit and beautiful smile will be missed.
Michelle Curenton
October 7, 2006
Dear Family,
I called Stephanie my cousin even though we we not blood related. We grew up together, we ran against each in track, we exchanged prom dresses, we exchanged cheerleading cheers, we spent many family picnics together. We even spent many christmases together. Our family goes way back. I will miss the fun and laughter we had. Stephanie introduced me to the greatest gift in life and that is Jesus Christ. I can't wait to see her again in glory. God bless you family.
Love,
Michelle Curenton
and Family
Jerry Lee
October 7, 2006
To the Darden & Gater family. Stephanie your mom & Dad did a wonderful job in raising a beautiful daughter. Your time here was spent caring for others rather than yourself. I will truly miss your beautiful smile especially in September.Your friend & birthday buddy.
Vilma Alatorre
October 7, 2006
With deepest sympathy to all of the family, our love and prayers are with you.
Richard and Vilma Alatorre
Mary & Charles Brown
October 7, 2006
As I reflect on the memories that Stephanie left ingraved in my heart; I still see her as that little nine or ten year old girl with a most radient smile that followed her into her adult-life. I remember she always had something good to say. I beleive that she is a perfect reflection of you Mildred and Ed, I see your reflection of joy and peace lived out in Stephanie's life and I beleive it will be passed on through her wounderful children as well as through generations to come, by God's grace. I also thank you Steve for helping to keep her smile shinning. Know that your family will continue to be in our prayers as God gives us breath and the ability to remember.
Continue in God's streingth:
Love Aunt Mary & Uncle Charles
WENDELL/SHEILA PAYTON
October 6, 2006
We love you Steph, and will miss you...Dardens,Gaters,Johnsons,Sanders we love you all and will continue to pray your strength in the Lord
Wendell,Sheila,Britney,Chaz & Chase
Ivory & Geraldine Lee
October 6, 2006
The Darden & Gator family
May god give you love and comfort in your loss. I will always remember Stephanie's beautiful smile. She was a very loving person who will be greatly missed. Know that our prayers are with you now and always.
Jelon & Tavie Reliford
October 6, 2006
Stephanie was a phenomenal woman! Her smile and laugh was contagious. She was always fun to be around. She will be greatly missed. Know that our thoughts and prayers will be with the family and everyone whose heart she touched!!!
Talmadge Morning Jr.
October 6, 2006
To the family my deepest apologies.
John Tribbett
October 6, 2006
Her spirit lives on as the perfect person I enjoy being around. Always a great smile, always a good word, always a sparkle in her eyes. She'll be missed by everyone!
Renee Predom
October 6, 2006
We the Mouseketeers of Disney(IT) will MISS you Greatly! You were the pixy dust that kept us together. Your warm smile and compassion for people is what the world needs. You will always have a place in our hearts.
On a special note I would like to say when I began to work at Disney ('98) Stephanie was one of the first people I met. She made me feel as if I had known her for years and I thought to myself if everyone here is as warm as Stephanie I know I am going to like working here and I must say I do. At this time I just moved to Railto not knowing anyone and did not know what I was going to do as far as before and after school care for my 7 year old daughter. Stephanie told me not to worry because her sister Janice would take care of my daughter for me. I said to Stephanie "you can't say she will do this". She said I'll email you later with the information. I returned to the office to find an email from Stephanie telling me Janice said yes. This is one of many memories I will never forget and I Love Stephanie and Janice for that assistance.
God Bless You! Love Renee and Family.
Terri Quickley
October 6, 2006
My deepest prayers go out to the Darden family, Stephanie will be missed, but her legacy lives on. R.I.P.
Pamela Quinn
October 6, 2006
The Darden Family: I had the priveledge to work with Stephanie for a few months as her second and she left such a positive imprint on me that has never left. Steph's solid faith and love of her family was an inspiration. My love, thoughts, and prayers with with all of you, always and forever!
Dan and Marlene Akins
October 6, 2006
Stephanie was a beautiful person who has forever left an imprint on our hearts. We love you and our prayers are with your family.
Kristi Baldwin
October 6, 2006
To my dear friend Stephanie, I will miss you so much. I was fortunate enough to see you 3 times this year. Even though I am in Philadelphia I was blessed to have had that opportunity to create a few more memories with you and your wonderful family. I'm sure it will become evident tomorrow of how many peoples lives you have touched in sometimes the smallest way, with a smile. You were always smiling. My favorite thing with you was to hear you laugh, I so loved to hear you laugh. Sometimes I would do silly things just to hear it. My love to you and to your family I know they will miss you dearly. Love always Kristi
Mahoganie Berryman
October 6, 2006
I will always remember Stephanie's
beautiful smile and loving spirit. Steve, Stevi and Dallas, please know that you and your family are in our prayers not only today but always.
Roxie McGhee
October 6, 2006
If there ever were a person/couple/family, that I've admired all of my adult life, it was STEPHANIE, and her family. In my eyes she was an example of the kind of person that God wants us to be, and lived like God wants us all to live. She was a person that was so loving and caring; always busy doing God's work--bringing people together. Clearly she was an angel from God. Although Stephanie may be gone from this earth (in body only) her spirit is still here, and we know that Stephanie's spirit was and is still strong. As I continue on in life (however long that may be), I will continue to carry Stephanie in my mind and heart, as my mentor and my inspiration to be what God wants me to be.
Lucas & Marian Navas
October 6, 2006
To Steve and family
The legecy Stephanie left behind in her love for Jesus will be written in on our hearts for ever. Stephanie we will miss you But we will see you again in heaven.Steve We are so sorry for your lost of Stephanie.If there Anything we can do for you steve please let us know.
Marian Miller-Navas
October 6, 2006
Stephanie,
I always called you MY SEPTEMBER!!! Because we shared September together, my B-day being on the 12th and your's on the 13th. You were also a beautiful Homecoming Queen,in HS. Two-yrs later I followed in your footsteps. Thank you Steph for your love. Hearing you say my name MaeMae made me feel like your little sister. And I will always love you for that. I guest God needed you more. You are truely hard to let go of.
I will love you FOREVER AND A DAY!!
Janice Johnson
October 6, 2006
I would thank everyone for there prayers, love and support. My sister is at peace and has no more pain.
I love my baby sis with all my heart. I can't wait for the day when I will see her again in heaven.
I love you Steph...Niecy
Loretta Walker-mangum
October 6, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the Darden and Gator family. May God grant you comfort and peace in the lost of your love one.The smile that God gave her lit up the world.
LaVeda Pretlow-Chappell
October 5, 2006
Darden Family,
May god keep his loving arms around your family. Look to him for the answers to the unknown. Stephanie would want you all to finish the goals that were set as a family.
She will be watching from above
La Veda Pretlow-Chappell
Toylen Hodges
October 5, 2006
Stephanie such a rare gem that touched the lives of so many. You couldn't help but smile when you saw her because she was always smiling at you. I will forever treasure the memory of her.
Tina Pretlow-Robinson
October 5, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dorothy/Mychal Jennings
October 5, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your time of grief. May your memories of Stephanie's love, spirit and joy bring you comfort. She was a "Special Person" to us. Love & God Bless..Dorothy
Cheryl Branum-White
October 5, 2006
I never knew Stephanie personally, yet my brother knew you both- Derek Branum. My heart goes out to the family. she was indeed young, this lets us all know how prescious life is; Only our Lord knows our beginning and our end and with Jesus beside her, she has gone home to Glory. May God comfort you all and know that even strangers share the pain of such a loss. Always know to look to our father for comfort and peace, he will sustain you each and everytime.
God Bless you
Charlene Porter-Owens
October 5, 2006
Dear Darden Family:
We hold you all so close to our hearts. We're so truly sorry for your precious loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. Stay strong, keep the faith and may you find comfort in the lovely and fun memories of Stephanie. May God Bless You
Tyrone and Charlene Owens
Reggie, Sharon & Reggie Jr. Young
October 5, 2006
We will all reflect on fond memories of Stephanie. Remembering all the joy, laughter and love shared with a life well lived. May God comfort and fill the void in your hearts with these precious memories. Memories never fade. Stephaine's smile will live in our hearts forever. Say not in grief she is no more, but live in thankfulness she was.
Reggie, Sharon & Reggie Jr. Young
October 5, 2006
We will all reflect on fond memories of Stepanie. Remembering all the joy, laughter and love shared with a life well lived. May God comfort and fill the void in our hearts with these precious memories. Memories never fade. Say not in grief she is no more, but live in thankfulness she was. Stephanie's smile will live in our hearts forever.
Todd Linden
October 5, 2006
Always remembered, always loved. God Bless.
Todd and Kathleen Linden
Spring, Texas
George Franco
October 5, 2006
Dear Steve:
Although its been a long while, both of you have always been in my thoughts.
I am devastated to hear about this.
I send my most profound and sincere love to you, Stephanie, your lovely children and family.
I will see you on Friday.
George Franco
Terry Turrentine
October 5, 2006
May God bless in your time of need. Look to the hills to where your help comes from, your help comes from the Lord. Much Love
Joyce Moore
October 5, 2006
We will always hold dear to our hearts, the sweet memory of this one who so loved the Lord Jesus and had great faith in His will for her life.We will remember the beautiful smile of Stephanie and the way she enjoyed life to the fullest.
Uncle Mike and Auntie Joyce
Showing 1 - 62 of 62 results
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