Stephanie Marie Webster
February 21, 2021
"Stephanie Marie Webster was born April 25, 1969 to Michael Thomas Webster and Gail Ann Kinney. She was raised in Sterling, Virginia. She earned a B.S. in Psychology in 1991 from James Madison University and an M.E.d. in Counselor's Education in 1993 from the University of Virginia. Stephanie then made the brave move South to achieve her PhD in Counselors Education from the University of Florida in 2004. During that time, she had a Son, found lifelong friends, and a career she loved. She lectured at UF for 18 years, and established herself in the Dial Center for Written and Oral Communication as a Master Lecturer, Associate Director, and Director of Public Speaking.
Stephanie was a devoted mother, cherished friend, and committed academic. She had the unique ability to develop a deep connection with anyone, both personally and professionally. She often found herself a confidant and advisor. She loved her job, and the freedom it gave her to live life. She helped students find the tools to guide themselves down their individual paths in life, and this connection was her favorite part of teaching. She had an endless love for animals, and was a frequent flyer foster mom at the North Florida Humane Society. She drafted biographies for her foster kittens, and take photographs of them ‘in action’ to bring to adoption events. If she didn’t think they were adopted by a suitable household, it would be the topic of conversation months later. Each week, she looked forward to her book club, bible study, yoga, and spin classes. She loved sunshine and being connected to nature.
Stephanie had hopes and dreams that will be held in the hearts of her loved ones. She was very spiritual, and always had faith that everything happened for a reason. She believed that when the soul leaves the body and goes to Heaven, it is able to be happy with loved ones, watch over those left behind, and get some well-deserved rest. Stephanie had been happy in recent years, and tried to live life as fully as possible. She rediscovered love, pursued her ambition and passion at work, rekindled relationships with family and friends, and prioritized her health and well-being.
She was a beloved Mother, Sister, and Daughter. She is survived by her son Cooper, brother Scott, father Michael, and mother Gail. Rest in peace, Stephanie."
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Stephanie was my friend and colleague. She abounded in empathy, thoughtfulness and kindness. She was an incredibly bright light shining in the world. Sending love and light to her son and family.
Although we were located in different parts of campus, Stephanie and I had similar academic interests and knew many of the same people in the field. She was one of the few people at UF with whom I shared that type of professional kinship. Many of our interactions were in a completely different capacity, however. As a coach, Stephanie was kind, encouraging, and always knew what to say to elicit someone's best effort. Her smile was contagious and I was looking forward to getting to know her better through the work that still lies ahead. She is gone much too soon. I am sending much love to her family. Please know that she made such a difference in the lives of the students and colleagues that she touched!
Stephanie was a long time colleague at UF. Every summer she'd radiate joy and acceptance during Preview. We talked often about our alma mater Virginia, and the outdoors. This is a crushing loss, and I will miss her.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Stephanie! She was a wonderful colleague whom everyone adored for her warmth and compassion. She will be so missed by me and all of us at the Dial Center. May her memory be a blessing and comfort to you now and always.
Sincerely, Emily
Please accept my deepest sympathy and heartfelt thoughts regarding the passing of Stephanie. I had the privilege of meeting Stephanie as a Preview Advisor and I could always count on seeing her beautiful smile and bright light that followed her where ever she went. She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.
My deepest condolences to Stephanie's family and friends. The news of her passing was devastating. We have worked many years together as Preview advisors at the University of Florida and Stephanie was – quite literally – one of my points of sunshine every summer. I loved her smile, always appreciated her advice, enjoyed every single conversation we had. She was an amazing professor and a very special colleague. She lit every room she walked in and made everyone around her feel better about themselves. Those of us who were fortunate to work with her will miss her tremendously as will her students.Â
I am so sorry to hear of Stephanie's loss. We worked Preview together for years, and I absolutely loved her bright and happy attitude. She always made me smile, and we had a lot of good conversations over the years. I will miss her presence in this world.
Please accept my deepest condolences to Stephanie’s family, friends, and colleagues. I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers to you.  She will be missed at GHFC. Â
Sending deep condolences to the family. Stephanie's light and impact with be greatly missed by me and by many.
Stephanie was one of the most amazing people I have ever known. I have had the honor and pleasure of working with her and calling her a friend for over 18 years. Cooper, please know how much your mom loved you. Like many others who spoke at the Celebration of Life Event tonight, you mom often spoke about you and your accomplishments. I know she was so happy you had to move back in with her recently, even if only temporarily. You heard tonight how much she did for the Dial Center (created the Speaker's Forum Event, the Public Speaking Lab, the Communication Challenge event, she found, trained, and mentored every Public Speaking TA we have ever had, unified all 25 sections of public speaking every semester, attended numerous Dial Center and Speech and Debate Team events every semester, etc.) However, you, Cooper, are the her biggest and proudest accomplishment. I feel lucky to have known your mom. She has made me a better person.
Dr. Webster was understanding, warm, responsive, and most of all, unfailingly kind. I was 23 and a graduate student in UF's College of Education when she hired me to teach public speaking, and I had never taught a college course. She calmed all of my fears, and answered all of my questions, whether it was a text, email, phone call, or chat in her office, which was always open. She was the best boss I've ever had, and I, like so many others, will miss her. Sending love and prayers to her family.
Stephanie was a kind soul and a beautiful person. She taught me so much through her welcoming smile and caring nature. I will always cherish her teaching and kindness and promise to pass it on.
I didn't know Stephanie very well, but we worked together during the summers at Preview for UF and she always had a big smile for me. I'm very sorry for your loss.
I was shocked to hear the news today about Stephanie. She was such a positive bright light in a hectic and bustling world. Always encouraging and supportive and eager to share life with her friends. My deepest condolences Cooper — your mom was fiercely proud of you. She is smiling down on us all and encouraging us to live our best lives. We certainly will remember her and smile at all the fun times and memories we made together. She is missed tremendously. Lisa & Maddie
I was shocked to learn today that Stephanie's magnificent heart had stopped.  I have known Stephanie for over twenty years, and recently reconnected with her through our monthly book group.  Her thoughtful spirit–gentle, unassuming, and curious– was something I looked forward to enjoying through book group.  Her love for and pride in Cooper was a lovely conversation to experience.   If Van Gogh is correct, and  "Someday death will take us to another star" I hope Stephanie is sending her light, her kindness, and her gentle guidance to kittens and students and friends and her loving family from a star that is visible each night when you look up.  Wishing peace to be there in the times of sadness, Gretchen
Dr. Webster was a fantastic professor who I had for only a semester. Yet, she pushed me to develop my skillset and engage my interests holistically. I will continually use the knowledge she shared with me for a lifetime. My condolences.
I am so terribly sorry to hear of Dr. Webster’s passing. I was just about to send her class to a prospective student as a must-take. I took two classes with Dr. Webster. I’ve never had a better professor, so able in her craft and so gifted in teaching it to others. I will always think of her as I use my public speaking skills and interpersonal communication skills. May her memory be for a blessing.Â