Stephanie Jo Dougan

Stephanie Jo Dougan, 49, was called to her eternal home Wednesday, October 29, 2025 in Westlake after a private battle with her health.  She was born November 17, 1975 in Charleston, South Carolina and raised in Lorain, Ohio.

A proud graduate of Admiral King High School’s Class of 1993, Stephanie began her journey as a young mother in Lorain with dreams bigger than her hometown. In 2003, she packed up herself and her kids-and moved to Orlando, Florida, where she built a life grounded in love, purpose, and laughter. She found her calling in healthcare, advocating fiercely for the elderly and ensuring they received the care and dignity they deserved.

Stephanie had a rare gift- she never met a stranger. Whether you were a lifelong friend, a coworker, or a random person walking a dog (which she absolutely had to stop and pet), she made you feel seen, valued, and usually doubled over in laughter within minutes. Her humor was her love language. With the comedic timing of a pro, she could turn any story- no matter how mundane- into something unforgettable. You never just heard her stories; you felt them, wiping away tears of laughter and holding onto your sides.

She was spontaneous to her core and lived life with unmatched joy- whether it was a last-minute trip, a pinky promise she meant, a fierce game of dodge ball, or one of her legendary game nights. Her home was always filled with love, laughter, movie marathons, and the kind of wisdom that only came from living boldly and loving deeply.

Stephanie’s passing leaves a space that words can’t quite fill. Her spirit, however, refuses to be dimmed. It lives on in her children and grandchildren, in her family and friends, and in every person who was lucky enough to be part of her beautiful, chaotic, hilarious orbit.

We invite you to remember Stephanie not for how her journey ended, but for how vibrantly she lived- for the laughter she sparked, the love she gave, and the moments she made unforgettable.
 

Stephanie is survived and deeply missed by her mother, Marlys Dougan; her beloved children and pride, Khalid and Khaliyah; her sisters and best friends, Brandy, Kristy, and Caitlin; and her nephew and nieces, Jaiquion, Breonna, and Brooke. She will forever be cherished by her grandchildren, Zayden Alexander Carter, Asaad Abdul Ali and Akai Khalid Ali and her goddaughter, Olivia.

Friends will be received Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 4:00 pm until the time of a 6:00 pm service at Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 323 Middle Avenue, Elyria with Reverend Kathryn Ketchum officiating.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Stephanie’s memory by creating a spontaneous moment with someone you love- a moment filled with laughter, kindness, and joy. That’s how she would want to be remembered.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephanie Jo Dougan, please visit our floral store.