Stephanie Deann Mitchell

With heavy hearts, we announce the loss of beloved mother, Stephanie Mitchell, who passed away in Leander, Texas on Monday, November 11th at the age of 45.

Stephanie was born on Mother’s Day, May 13th, 1979, to Annie and Ervin Mitchell in Odessa, Texas, where she grew up and graduated from Permian High School in 1997 and later received her bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas Permian Basin. She served as an elementary school teacher for several years and excelled far beyond what was expected of her in every regard, forever touching the lives of her students. Stephanie later moved to Austin, Texas, where she continued to serve others in a number of ways. She worked diligently to provide for her sons and would do anything to make sure they were cared for.

Stephanie’s friends and family know well that her wit and intelligence was striking and ever sharp, and there was no one who could convince her otherwise. Everyone who met her can attest that it was her kindness, however, that would reveal itself first. She brought joy and laughter to any room others were lucky enough to share with her. She fiercely protected and uplifted those she held dear and demonstrated the value of showing grace and empathy when most unexpected.

Stephanie gave her full heart to her two sons, Jace and Jaxon Gryder, whom she showered with her love and pride. She cherished her sons more than anything, and she would take every chance she could to tell you about them. They love her deeply, something they learned how to do from her.

She also leaves her mother, Annie Mitchell, to cherish her memory; as well as her three sisters, Renee Edwards, Pamela Weeks and Dina Ward; along with her nieces, Krystal Lee, Hayli Fry and Melani Roemer; her nephew, Justin Parsons, her great nieces, Ripley Lynch, Madeline Roemer and Ramsey Roemer, and her great nephews, Teagan Giba, Mason Fry, Ben Fry and Brooks Fry.

Preceding her in death is her father, Ervin Mitchell, whom she honored highly.

More than anything, Stephanie wanted to share her light with those around her and imbue them with the spark to do the same. May we consider this devastating loss as motivation to exhibit compassion toward others in her spirit.