Stephaney Ilona Beverly Gaddy

Stephaney Ilona Gaddy was born November 5, 1952 in Boston, Massachusetts. She was born to the late William and Hilda Beverly. Stephaney graduated from English High School and completed certified medical assistants’ training from The Bryman Institute, also in Boston, Massachusetts. Early in her vibrant life, Stephaney was a young club singer, traveling in and around the New England club circuit with her band. While she may have stopped singing professionally, she never lost her love and passion for singing or music. Later, in addition to her work in numerous medical and doctor’s offices, Stephaney was also an entrepreneur, working with the Amway Corporation. It was her work with Amway that would lead her to leave Boston and find her way to Charlotte, North Carolina. Upon moving to Charlotte with her four children, Jamal, Ty, Aaron, and Shaela, her life was forever changed again when, in 1984 she met Mr. James Franklin Gaddy, Sr. The two were wed July 25, 1987 in Charlotte and for the next 28 years, were inseparable. Together, they owned and operated J&S Lawn Service, as well as Loveland Homecare Center. Most recently, Stephaney worked caring for disabled adults, with Independent Opportunities, Incorporated. However, the job she loved and cherished the most over the past 18 years, was the love and care of her two youngest sons, Jarel Isaiah and Christopher Anthony Williams. There was no prouder day for Stephaney than to see young Jarel recently graduate from Olympic High School. Stephaney was a Daughter of the Eastern Stars, and the wife of a proud Vietnam Veteran in James Franklin Gaddy, Sr. She worked tirelessly for The ARC of Mecklenburg County, and, because she was a nine year breast cancer survivor, volunteered with the American Cancer Society. She had a great love of the arts, music, and still owns the very first .45 single she purchased as a teen. Stephaney Ilona Gaddy is survived by her husband, partner and best friend James Franklin Gaddy, Sr.; two sisters Gloria Randall and Valarie Alas, and a younger brother William Perry Beverly. She leaves behind her children sons Jarel Isaiah Williams, Christopher Anthony Williams, Jamal Anthony Crawford, Ty Tyson Crawford, Aaron Demond Crawford, Sr., James F. Gaddy Jr., Shirley T. Gaddy, Cornell Gaddy and Jerry Gaddy. Daughters Shaela Cé Williams, Elizabeth Bridgetta Yancy, Shannon Crawford, Rachel Coates. Grandchildren: Kyle Michael Boyette, Stephanie Marie Alston, Kylie Michelle Alston, Briana Ja`nell Foster, Markeda Gaddy, Malik Gaddy, Ty Elizabeth Crawford, Ty Tyson Crawford Jr., Ty Tyson Crawford III, Gabriel James Coates, Hannah Marie Crawford, Tyler Anne Crawford, Aaron Demond Crawford, Jr., Arianna Debra Crawford, Ariel Dominique Crawford, Angelina Danielle Crawford, Adam Daniel Crawford. Great grandchildren: Jade Boyette, Ty Alston, Dorian King Stubblefield, Aalayah Gaddy. She is preceded in death by a granddaughter Tomiyah Nichole Smith. She leaves behind a dear friend and sister for life Debora Morrison and her daughter Tara; and innumerable friends, acquaintances, and business associates. The world was a better place because she was a part of it; it is emptier now that she is gone. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul.