Stephanie Nichole Jackson

Stephanie Nichole Lopez was born into this world on October 2, 1982, to Simona and John Lopez in her hometown of Tucson, AZ. On Saturday, December 27, 2025, surrounded in her home by her closest loved ones, Stephanie began her eternal life after an extremely brave and honorable battle with leukemia.

Stephanie, also affectionately known as “Stephy” and “Steph,” was a very bright, comforting, and colorful light to all who knew her. She was welcoming and accepting to all who crossed her path, and always greeted others with a great big smile and warm embrace. Steph’s signature greeting usually included an enthusiastic, “Hola!” She always led with love.

On June 21, 2024, Stephanie became the happiest bride in the world when she married her incredibly loving, selfless, and supportive wife, Kellene “Kal” Jackson. Kal was by Steph’s side every single day of her difficult, and often grueling three-year journey with cancer. In Kal’s arms was Stephy’s safest and most favorite place to be.

Stephanie’s biggest passion in life was being in nature. She often referred to it as “her religion.” Life in the outdoors brought her enormous peace and helped to keep her grounded in trying times. Hikes up a beautiful mountain setting, watching her bare feet disappear on the ocean shore, bike rides along the coast, and crackling campfires at sunset were some of Stephy’s favorite blessings. She was a huge fan of music, documentaries, dancing, making people laugh, and taking on new adventures with her wife. She had a great ability to peacefully lose herself in a favorite song or hilarious chatfests with loved ones. Her infectious laughter will never be forgotten.

Stephanie was preceded in death by her mother, Simona Nuñez; brother, Ja Lopez; grandmother, Rosario Kin; grandfather, Arnold Nuñez; grandparents, Millie and Tony Lopez; and mother-in-law Darlene Yellowhair.

Stephanie is survived by her loving wife, Kellene Jackson; father, John Lopez; stepmother, Melissa Lopez; sister, Iliana (Kris) Baca; brother, Leonard Saiz; sister, Samantha Lopez; father-in-law, David Jackson; sister-in-law, Kim Jackson; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

A funeral service for Stephanie Jackson will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Graveside services will immediately follow at Double Butte Cemetery, 2505 W Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282.