Mary Stephanie Miller Dunn

Stephanie passed away on March 15, 2019 leaving a doting mother, 2 adoring adult children, a grandson and 5 brothers and sisters.

Amy would not want me to make a big deal but I know how much everyone loves her and if you know her, you know what kind of person she is and probably also the heart her mother had. I think of the song "You Find Out Who Your Friend Are" when I think about the type of friend she is.

My concern is Amy was diagnosed with Lupus a couple of years ago. She has managed it well with meds but mainly through us making changes in our lifestyle to lower stress and live more peacefully. So it goes without saying that the stress on her now is worse for her than others.

Please help, your generosity will be so greatly appreciated and we intend to pay it forward or backward.

It is absolutely unfair that it costs so much for a daughter or son when their mother dies with neither life insurance nor savings. There are no available services to assist those left behind in handling all the business that has to be done for those who live in poverty. This needs to change but meanwhile, Amy is struggling to pay for her mother's burial, memorial, and maintenance on Stephanie's 40-year-old Mobile Home until it sells. The time and work is taking a toll on her (physically, financially and emotionally).

If you didn't know Stephanie, she was one of a kind. She was heartbroken, abused, misguided and burdened like many people. Yet, she didn't complain and she didn't like others having to help her. She gave what she had to those who entered her life. Even if all she had to give was a shoulder to cry on, someone to talk to, a place to rest, or comic relief, she never hesitated. No one was a stranger to her and as nutty she was at times, everyone who met her saw the light that shone in her eyes and the love that overflowed in her heart. Her love for others was never-ending and without condition. The part that saddens me most is that she died alone. She didn't deserve that.

Her humble wish for when she passed was for her ashes to be buried in the family plot with her grandmother Mary Simmons. We are able to avoid an additional cost of $2500 by placing her ashes "next to" Mary. I am sure she would be okay with that.

In addition, she has a mobile home in need of extensive repairs and not worth much. However, we are going to honor her love for others and the memories she cherished most with her home. All that is needed is space rent and electricity for this and next month.

Stephanie's attachment to her home was so strong that she maintained an unwillingness to leave or remodel it. It was her 1st home. It was where she built her family. This was where her children grew and her happiest years were lived. She didn't see the home as it looked to others. She saw beautiful yellow wallpaper. She saw the children smiling, the Christmas decorations and family meals. She recalled the songs she played on her old piano. She felt the hugs of her son when he was 4, homework, crafts and baking. She experienced the love of a handsome capable man and the life dream they shared. She would say "This is all I have left".

As her last gift of love and ours, a young family who is just starting out, like hers once was, will be fixing the place up and raising their children in this same place.

We love you all. Thank you for your support and prayers.