Stephanie Matilda Matthews Smith

 In Loving Memory of Stephanie Matilda Matthews Smith

Born to Jessye and Toney Matthews, the last of Eight and proceeded in Death by her parents, son Xavier, brothers Reggie and Kenny Matthews, older sister Barbara Matthews, and her late husband Ocie Smith.

With hearts both heavy and full of reverence, we honor the life and legacy of Stephanie Matilda Matthews Smith, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, friend, and woman of faith who passed peacefully into eternity at the age of 61. Born in San Diego, California, on November 6, 1963, Stephanie was a radiant soul who lived a life marked by resilience, generosity, creativity, and spiritual grace.

Though San Diego was her birthplace and final resting place, her life took root and bloomed across many places —Los Angeles, California,  Detroit, Michigan, and Waterloo, Iowa, where she spent a decade shaping her academic pursuits and community ties, where she raised her children amid new challenges and discoveries. In every city she called home, she left behind not just footprints, but a legacy of compassion and strength.

Although she had struggles in her early years, she bounced back as a woman of dynamic spirit. Stephanie embraced many roles throughout her life. Early on, she worked with pride and tenacity as a taxi driver, navigating both roads and responsibilities with purpose. Later, her skilled hands and artistic eye led her to become a hairstylist, bringing confidence and beauty into the lives of others. When disability necessitated early retirement due to her oxygen needs, she transitioned into a quieter life of reflection, faith, and family—yet her work was never done. Stephanie’s labor of love continued through nurturing her children and grandchildren, feeding souls with her divine cooking and giving back to her community. Stephanie’s macaroni and cheese was legendary—a signature dish wrapped in comfort and mystery; its secret recipe now safeguarded in the hands of her daughter.

A faithful Baptist, Stephanie walked closely with God. Her days were filled with Bible reading; Her voice rising in gospel hymns echoing heaven’s cadence in her living room, her kitchen, or wherever she stood. She did not fear her transition, for she had made peace with her Creator. She often shared that she was happy and content when her time came, and that sacred serenity remains a final gift to those she leaves behind.

Her love was vast and unfailing, especially for her family, whom she held at the very center of her life. She is survived by her devoted children – Dania Scott, Kenneth Rucker Jr. and Michael Fox Jr.

Stephanie also shared her love and guidance with her stepchildren, Alicia and Thomas Fox, Onesha and Daytrell Jefferson, who gifted her with additional grandchildren, each one equally cherished, a spark in her constellation of love. In total, she was a proud and nurturing grandmother of 29. 

Stephanie’s heart beat strongest for her family, particularly her cousin Theresa, who often visited with her wherever she was placed, together they shared a sacred sisterhood, her beloved sister Monica, her confidante and companion, her cousin Carl, who always bought her flowers and a card, her Auntie Liz and Aunt Ann, who frequently visited and would show their affection through gift giving. Though distance and time scattered the rest of the family’s closeness, their love for her never waned.

A proud graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1988, Stephanie went on to further her studies at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa and San Diego City College. A lifelong learner, she pursued independent studies with unquenchable curiosity, often exploring spiritual teachings, health, culture, and literary dreams.

Stephanie’s heart extended far beyond her family. She was a philanthropist in spirit and action, donating regularly to the homeless and participating in various nonprofit causes. Whether it was through giving, cooking, listening, or simply showing up, she lived her gospel daily, sincerely and consistently. 

She found joy in local travel throughout San Diego, often accompanied by her grandchildren, whose laughter filled her final years with light. She is further survived by family, friends, cousins, sisters, brothers, nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, children, and grandchildren.