Stephanie Diane Tolbert

Stephanie Diane Tolbert, 72, was born on May 16, 1951, to the parents of Lawrence Everett Johnson and Constance B. Rice.

Stephanie was the first child of three. She was preceded in death by her father Lawrence, and her mother Constance.

Stephanie was educated in the Kansas City Missouri School District and graduated from Central High School as a member of the class of 1969. Stephanie also attended Park College where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and graduated Cum Laude. Upon graduation Stephanie began her career as an elementary school teacher for the same Kansas City Missouri School District that she herself was a product of. She served as a schoolteacher for 10 years. While in this role Stephanie was known to be a passionate advocate for her students. She ensured each child had access to all resources needed for them to be successful both academically and socially. Stephanie had a slew of interests and hobbies. She was a sports fanatic. The sports she followed included football, basketball, tennis, and the Olympics. She also spent a lot of time playing video games and was known to be very good. Stephanie was also quite the artist. She spent many hours drawing as well as doing art projects with her nieces, nephews, and grandkids.

Stephanie married the love of her life, Melvin, on August 31, 1973. Prior to becoming a widow in 2018 she shared 45 years of marital bliss with her husband.

To honor her legacy, she leaves behind: her son, Joshua Everett (Jasmine) Tolbert; 2 brothers Lawrence Everett (Rosalind) Johnson and Richard Leon (Anna) Johnson; 3 grandchildren, Sydney Danielle, Sebastian Dominic, and Spencer Demetrius, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday February 17, 2024, visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. with services beginning at 3:00 P.M. at Golden Gate Funeral & Cremation Services, LLC 2800 East 18th st.,  Kansas City, Mo 64127.

Private Disposition