Stephanie Hamlett

Obituary For Stephanie Hamlett

Services will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at

Alfred Street Baptist Church 301 S. Alfred Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Visitation: 10 a.m. Funeral 11 a.m.

Burial at Bethel Cemetery Alexandria, VA 22314

Forever In Our Hearts
Stephanie Rene Hamlett was born on September 15, 1961, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to the late Merilyn Frances Bruce Hamlett and Zack Earl Hamlett Jr. She was the fourth of their five children. Stephanie’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to her son, family, and friends. She departed this earthly life unexpectedly on March 17, 2025, with an unshakable faith in Jesus Christ.

Her family originated from Michigan but eventually settled in University City, Missouri, where Stephanie graduated high school at the age of 16. She went on to earn an associate degree from Des Moines Area Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from Michigan
State University. In 1985, Stephanie began her professional career working for Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) at his local office and later on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. She pursued a
master’s degree before resuming her federal government career. An expert in strategic process
improvement, Stephanie led teams as an Urban Planner for the U.S. Air Force, Regional Environmental Advisor and Planning Branch Chief for the U.S. General Services Administration
(GSA), and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Coordinator/Division Chief for the U.S. Department of the Interior. After more than 35 years of distinguished service, Stephanie retired in
2022.

Stephanie’s greatest blessing was the birth of her son, Kyle Austin Stevenson, on June 1, 1993. As a devoted mother, she was loving, loyal, and fiercely dedicated to Kyle, always prioritizing his
needs and well-being. Words could never fully capture the depth of her love or the pride she felt in his achievements, especially as he confronted and overcame every challenge on his path to
success.

One of Kyle’s most cherished memories is how his mother introduced him to Handel’s Messiah and other classical music even before birth. This became a beloved tradition—attending the Kennedy Center Sing-Along and worship services at Black churches during Advent and Christmas. Stephanie hoped Kyle would fall in love with the story of Christ’s birth and the way it was told—and, as he lovingly would say, “Mom, it worked.”

Stephanie had many passions, including hiking, white-water rafting, and swimming. She was a
gifted storyteller—captivating audiences and bringing moments to life with vivid detail and humor. In retirement, she even took the stage as a solo performer at The DC Improv, one of
Washington, D.C.’s premier comedy clubs. From an early age, Stephanie embraced her faith and was baptized at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, MI. She remained a faithful
member of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, for many years serving in the Prayer Ministry and on the Building and Grounds Committee.

Stephanie was preceded in death by her parents, Zack Earl Hamlett Jr. and Merilyn Frances Bruce Hamlett; her brother, Zack Earl Hamlett III; her sister-in-law, Jill Hamlett; and her brother-in law, Michael Cooper. She leaves behind a lifetime of beautiful memories to be cherished by her loving son, Kyle Austin Stevenson; two brothers, Bruce Hamlett (Patricia) and Reginald Hamlett (Tellisa); one sister, Diane Cooper; and one sister-in-law, Eleanora Tate. Also mourning her loss are four nieces: Gretchen Tate, Alicia Barlow (David), Kimberly Hamlett, and Carmen Hamlett
(Willie); two nephews: Nathaniel Hamlett and Joshua Hamlett; five great-nieces: Dyshanee Strong, D’arrah Barlow, Morgan Anderson, Olivia Barlow, and Jolie Dennis; six great-nephews:
Derrick Strong, Camren Avant, Caleb Majors, Maddox Mitchell, Willie Mitchell V and Luke Mitchell; her best friend, Dwanda Glenn-Woodward; and a host of other beloved family members and friends.

Stephanie’s love, laughter, and spirit will live on in all who knew and loved her.

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