Stephanie Gaye Jayne

Born July 7, 1953, in Clinton, IN, she was the loving daughter of Lynda T. Profitt, big sister to Tracy Jayne, and sister-in-law to Mark Crews, who she affectionately dubbed as "Mark-in-law." She is preceded in death by her father, Richard R. Jayne.

Stephanie was a force of nature and an adventurous, free spirit. She was an outgoing, social person who easily made friends wherever she lived. Her infectious laughter could fill a room. She was an outstanding cook who was a natural and effortless hostess. She could whip up chili for 50 or curate an intimate dinner for four, with ease. She was unique, creative, and stylish which extended to both her wardrobe and home decorating tastes. She also loved dabbling in her garden, and playing and listening to music. She was a Beatles fan for life.

Stephanie was a 1971 graduate of Centerville High School and attended Bowling Green State University. As an adult, her jobs took her across the country and overseas. She lived in Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Spain, and Tennessee.

Stephanie was a hard worker who enjoyed taking on new challenges. She began her cellular career in Raleigh, NC with CellularOne, then later transitioned to newspaper advertising sales. In Spain, she lived in Palma de Mallorca for 5 years and used that location as a springboard to travel around the Mediterranean Sea visiting various countries. She also set up shops on board the ships USS Nimitz, Eisenhower and JFK for the U.S. Navy Exchange, selling fine Mallorcan pearl jewelry to the troops to send home to loved ones.

Stephanie's favorite jobs involved writing and being creative. She began her writing career with the magazine Water’s Edge in Jacksonville FL that featured an elegant beachfront lifestyle. In Knoxville, TN Stephanie expanded her writing career by interviewing interesting people for the magazine Sequoia Living, featuring that area’s historic architecture and interesting residents. She wrote articles of interest to women for the clever Skirt Magazine also in Knoxville. At that time Stephanie began a wine and food blog for a wine distributor under the name Blue Jean Girl, which had a large following due to her clever writing that made cooking fun.

About fifteen years ago, Stephanie fell in love with creating jewelry with gemstones. She loved combining colors and textures, along with interesting found objects. Ultimately, she created a line of necklaces and earrings under the name Made with Love that she sold and marketed through Etsy.

While Stephanie wouldn't have wanted to be defined by her cancer, unfortunately, it occupied the final part of her life. She approached her illness with bravery, optimism, and strength. She beat many odds and predictions for her longevity. She simply carried on enjoying her life, friends, and family for as long as she physically could.

There are many people to acknowledge in Stephanie's journey. Among them, her extended family, aunt Fran Thompson, cousins Brie Thompson, Kenny Thompson, and Monica (John) McCombs. Special thanks to her adopted Crews family, Steve, Pat, Mike and Deb, and Marcy and Paul, who preceded her in death. You all embraced her and made her feel welcome upon her return to the Dayton area. Special thanks go out to her incredible Knoxville friends, Ruth, Carol and Nancy. You lifted her spirits and helped her in more ways than we'll ever know.

Last, but not least, we wouldn't be able to paint a complete picture of Stephanie without mentioning her lifetime love of animals. There was never a stray that she didn't hesitate to adopt (sometimes much to our chagrin). She had numerous cats and dogs throughout her life, but among them, she was most attached to her beloved dog, Oliver. Our hope is that they are now reunited in a better place.

A private ceremony will be held at the Prairie Township Cemetery in Edgar County, IL, where she will join her maternal grandparents Edward and Florence Thompson, aunt Christine Thompson, and uncle Jeffrey Thompson.

So, lift your glasses for a final toast to Stephanie Jayne. She would want you to think of a funny story or adventure you had together and have a good, hardy laugh in her honor. She will forever be missed by all those who loved her.

Stephanie would've greatly appreciated your donation to the cat rescue group, The Tenth Life, PO Box 178, Alpha, OH 45301. Condolences in Stephanie's name may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com