Stephanie Marie Cosby

Celebration of Life Stephanie Marie Smith Cosby was born to her parents Mary Ann Banks and Richard Carter Smith on August 3, 1969 in Richmond, Virginia. On October 16, 2020, the gates of heaven opened as the Celestial Choir echoed "Hallelujah", welcoming Stephanie to her eternal home where she was welcomed by her parents, Mary and Richard Smith, her grandparents, James and Elizabeth Banks, and her aunts, Theresa Cunningham and Daisy Morgan. Stephanie grew up in a devout Catholic family where she attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church. At the age of four she was enrolled in the Holy Rosary Child Care Center. In 1974, her class was the first class to graduate from the new Holy Rosary Child Care Center under the direction of Sister Gilda. It was during her formative years she received the Sacrament oflnitiation and participated in the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD). She was a product of Richmond Public Schools and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1987. It was during i her high school years Stephanie's mother became ill and many responsibilities shifted to her. It was because of her spirit of caring she was able to lovingly care for her mother and her two siblings with courage and honor. After graduating from high school Stephanie attended J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College. As a young adult Stephanie served as the assistant choir director of the children's choir under the auspices of Dr. Edward Foster. She was a steadfast member of the Christian Unity Choir under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Robinson, Jr. One of her favorite songs was, "Give Me A Clean Heart" a song she often led. Over the course of her life she was confronted with ill health which limited her attendance at Church. Stephanie had a willing spirit and love for the Lord and whenever she was able to attend Mass she made sure her voice was used to sing and praise the Lord. God blessed her with many talents for which she was always willing to share. Stephanie participated in the Passion Play for many years performing as a follower of Jesus. She also served as the make-up and costume artist in the Passion Play. On August 31, 2002, Stephanie and David were married at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Although the doctor suggested they not have children, she believed she could have a healthy baby. On September 16, 2004, God answered their prayers, and Devon L. Cosby a healthy baby boy was God's gift to them. Stephanie worked at St. Mary's Bon Secours Hospital for more than 27 years in the Medical Records department, where she continued to let her light shine as she went about praying and ministering to all she encountered. "Stephie", as she was fondly called, had many strengths, talents, and gifts, one of her special gifts was the gift of caring for others and her willingness to put others before herself. For over twenty-five years Stephanie had been in and out of The Medical College of Virginia Hospital where she met many doctors, nurses, patients, and medical students, but for her when others offered to pray for her, her answer would be, "let me pray for you". Father David Stanfill, retired pastor of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, often reflected on how Stephanie would pray for him before he could pray for her. She was known as the "Reversal Prayer Warrior". Stephanie enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family in Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach. Not only did she enjoy the fresh air and the sand, she enjoyed making the best 'angel eggs' for family and friends for various outings. She always wanted her family and friends to know how much she loved them by celebrating them with a card or a special little gift. That was her way of saying "I love you"! Stephanie leaves a legacy of generosity to all those who cared for her especially, Dr. Daniel C. Grinnan, Pulmonologist MCV, Dr. Amanda George, Internal Medicine MCV, Alice B. Robinson, L.P.N, Norman Ocampo, nurse, all of 10 West and 10 Central, Hospital Staff, and all those who entered her room to offer her care or just to say a word of encouragement. Her family thanks you for your love, care, and concern. Leaving to remember and cherish her memory forever, her loving and attentive husband, David L. Cosby, her son, a gift from God, Devin L. Cosby; two loving and devoted sisters, Denise M. Smith and Sylvia S. Mayo (Curtis), Richmond, Virginia; one brother, Jamaal C. Smith, Richmond, Virginia; many in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. To God Be the Glory for all that He has done!

Tributes

Stephanie Marie Cosby

August 3, 1969 - October 16, 2020