Stephanie Ann Stamper Huggins entered into rest on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 surrounded by her family and loved ones. Stephanie was born on January 27, 1970 in Camp Zama, Japan to Col. Roy Robert Stamper (Ret.) and Peggy Ann Henley Stamper. As the daughter of an active service member in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, she spent her childhood in several areas around the world, including Japan, Texas, Missouri, Maryland, and Hawaii. After her family settled in the Augusta area in 1981, Stephanie graduated from Evans High School in 1988. She attended Augusta College, and graduated from the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) in 1992 as a Registered Nurse.
She married Will Huggins on December 14, 1991, and they raised three children together in Augusta. She was a devoted wife and an adoring mother who actively supported her children in all of their activities. She particularly enjoyed spending countless hours with friends and family traveling to various athletic events. As a loud and proud mother, she was never content to sit quietly on the sidelines - she could always be heard encouraging players (and calling out referees).
After graduating from MCG, Stephanie spent the majority of her nursing career as a fierce advocate for the most vulnerable patients as a pediatric nurse. She loved being on a team of dedicated nurses that protected children that frequently had no other support. While she was on the floor, one could often hear patients asking for “Stepaning”. As a Registered Nurse, she held a number of advanced certifications. She was a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), a Pediatric Chemotherapy Biotherapy Provider (aphon), and a Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN). She was a member of the American Board of Perianesthesia (abpamnc) and a member of the Georgia Association of Perianesthesia Nursing (GAPAN).
She was described by those who knew her best as a devoted friend, a tender yet strong mother, and a determined advocate that was unafraid to speak her mind when necessary. Most importantly, her heart moved her to speak loudest through her actions. She enjoyed needle-pointing and traveling - particularly long weekends with friends and family at the beach.
Stephanie’s faith was her strength and her song. She was a devoted member of the Church of the Good Shepherd and was likely to be seen at the 8:00 a.m. Sunday service and the mid-week healing services. During the past three years, she bravely battled her health challenges with grace. The following passage comforts her family when they reflect on Stephanie’s courage: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Wilson “Will” Perry Huggins; parents, Col. Roy Robert Stamper (Ret.) and Peggy Ann Henley Stamper; her brother, Michael Scott Stamper (Alison), her children and their spouses: Robert Trevor Huggins (Danielle); Hailie Maryanna Huggins Harrison (Hayden), John Kevin Huggins (Lauren); her grandchild, Lily Lamar Huggins; brother-in-law: Charles Thomas Huggins, Jr. (Elizabeth) and sister-in-law: Elizabeth Huggins Elliott (Brandon), mother-in-law: Sada Mason Huggins; and her nieces and nephews: Sydney Marie Stamper, Catherine Huggins Everett (Brendan), Caroline “Callie” Whittaker Huggins, Mason Riggan Elliott (Rachel), Thomas Wesley Elliott, and Anna DeLacy Elliott. She is preceded in death by brother, John Kevin Stamper.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors located at 214 Davis Road, Augusta, Georgia 30907 from 6 to 8 p.m. Her memorial service will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 2 pm. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to her many close friends and co-workers that remained by her side during her final days. They offer a special thanks to Dr. Asha Nayak and Debra Steele for their devotion to her care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd 2230 Walton Way, Augusta, Georgia 30904 or the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, 1146 Harper Street, BT 1844, Augusta, Georgia 30912.