Stephanie Parnell Hope

Family was Stephanie Parnell Hope’s heartbeat, and love was her language. Her life was a tapestry of devotion, woven together by moments of laughter, creativity, and quiet strength that will forever anchor the hearts of those who loved her. On July 21, 2025, at the age of 54, Stephanie peacefully went home to be with her Heavenly Father.

Born on October 19, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, Stephanie was the second eldest daughter of Sarah Ann and Nathaniel Hope, who both preceded her in death. She carried a spirit of kindness, loyalty, and warmth, always willing to serve, encourage, and uplift others. Her love for her family, community, and friends was unwavering and trustworthy.

From an early age, Stephanie showed a natural gift for teaching and caring for children, whether through helping her younger sister or babysitting neighborhood kids. That calling grew into a lifelong passion for education. While pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education at National Louis University, she worked as a preschool teacher at local daycare centers, planting seeds of curiosity and confidence in young minds. Her career grew beyond the classroom as she became an advocate for individuals with special needs, ensuring they received the care, respect, and opportunities they deserved.

Stephanie later brought her heart for learning to the Chicago Public Schools as a Teacher’s Assistant. She found joy in the simple yet meaningful things—spending quiet hours reading, creating beautiful crafts, and enjoying time with her family. It wasn’t unusual to find all three sisters nestled together in bed, each with a book in hand, sharing stories and laughter. Her nieces and nephews have countless fond memories of their beloved “Titi,” who would spend hours creating colorful projects, sparking their imaginations, and showering them with love.

She will forever be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her work, her love of creativity, and the deep, enduring love she held for her family.

Stephanie leaves to cherish her memory her loving sisters Lisa (Rondell) Washington and Natalie (Diallo) Duniver, and her brother Andre Parnell Hope. She also leaves her nieces, Hope S., Hannah F., and Mayra; nephews, Caleb Z., Jacob E., and Andrew; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends who were blessed by her presence.

A memorial service celebrating Stephanie’s life will be announced at a later date. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit—gentle, steadfast, and full of love—will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew her.

Rather than flowers, we invite you to honor her memory in the way she would have wanted—by contributing through Zelle to the account established at TitiStephanieLegacy@gmail.com, to support the education of her cherished nieces and nephews.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options, Schiller Park, IL