Stephanie Marie Houston (maiden name Black) passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of December 5th, 2024 after a long journey with cancer.

Stephanie was born June 4th, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan to Marjorie Smith and Henry Black. Stephanie had four siblings: Kevin, Kyle, Lisa and Maureen.

She attended Mercy College of Nursing and graduated in 1977, working at Oakwood Hospital after graduation. Stephanie had four children: Joseph, William, Elizabeth and Krystina. In 1994, Stephanie and her children relocated to Franklin, TN and she began working at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she remained employed and actively working as an oncology nurse up until September 1st, 2024.

In June of 2021 Stephanie was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. She fought her battle like a true warrior, remaining positive until the end. After several procedures and complications with the cancer, Stephanie spent her last few weeks at Vanderbilt Hospital and later Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN. She was comforted by lifelong friends, cousins, her sister, coworkers and her children by her side at all times. Her final days were good days, which can be a testament to both the loving care provided by her nurses & care partners at Alive Hospice as well as to the strength given to her by A&W Root Beer. Stephanie is survived by her four children, five grandsons, sister Maureen, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

There are countless words that could describe Stephanie: mother, sister, aunt, nanny, cousin, friend, nurse. Nurturing, loving, resilient, generous, quirky, funny, kind. But most importantly she was a fighter. To say that she will be missed is an understatement.

A Celebration of Life will be held in early 2025 in Tennessee - details TBD. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Alive Hospice:

https://www.alivehospice.org/get-involved/give/