Stephanie Dianne Trowell

Stephanie Dianne Trowell, daughter of the late Charles and Lucy Cardwell, was born on October 9, 1956 in Washington, D.C. She was the youngest of the seven Cardwell children. Stephanie attended District of Columbia Public Schools and graduated from Anacostia High School in 1974, where she played basketball and softball. After graduation, she continued her education at the University of the District of Columbia. However, after one year of college, she decided to leave to explore other interests; and exploring she did. Stephanie forged an eclectic career as a “paperboy”, Chick-fil-A mascot, nurse, hotel desk clerk, retail sales associate, bookkeeper, forensic pathology assistant, licensed beautician, activity specialist for the elderly, administrative assistant, tax consultant, landlord, Girl Scout troop leader, distribution clerk, Uber driver, bank teller, grave keeper, and gunsmith technician, among others. Although having the same number of hours in the day as the rest of us, she always seemed to get more done. Her strong work ethic and varied employment background not only afforded her professional growth and development but enabled her to amass lifelong bonds with friends she met along the way. Later in life, Stephanie’s passion and dedication to helping others led her to her calling as a nurse. After 35 years of helping other’s build their dreams, she finally began to build her own dream and received her Nursing degree from Stanford Brown. Yet, in typical Stephanie fashion, she skipped her graduation to cover a coworker’s shift. Stephanie rarely complained, maintaining a brave and cheerful outlook of an optimistic future, even throughout life’s struggles. She loved spending time bargain shopping, eating seafood, and singing along to the latest music tunes with her children. She took pleasure in watching crime shows and movies, often adding her two cents during the program. She enjoyed chatting with friends and strangers alike, with no conversation being complete without her saying “chile”. Stephanie touched the lives of many people with her generosity, warm smile, and trademark sense of humor. She was a woman of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love and the beauty and peace that would await her after her passing. Stephanie’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children; Jenifer Lynn Trowell, Maryam Trowell McCloud, Adam Trowell, Yusef Trowell, Jessica Nicole Page Trowell and Joshua Benjamin Trowell; grandchild, Lillian McCloud, grandpup SpikeLee Trowell; sister Janice Boone (preceded in death by sister, Charlene Hatton); brothers, Vernon Cardwell and Kenn Cardwell (preceded in death by brothers, Alan and Michael Cardwell), as well as sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends whom she adored.