Stephanie Evans Payne Tyree, age 69, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at her home in Bonsack, Virginia, surrounded by her children.

She was born in Clifton Forge, Virginia on August 5, 1949 to Sarah "Blackie" Payne and the late Otis Payne.

She was a 1967 graduate of Loudoun County High School and a 1994 graduate of Christopher Newport University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology.

Stephanie married the late David Tyree on September 7, 1968 and together they raised four children.

Stephanie's life was full of purpose and passion. She was dedicated to lifting others up, challenging the systems that take advantage of the deprived and marginalized for the ideal that we are all equal. Stephanie was a strong advocate for women's rights and equality, co-founding the Alleghany Highlands chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and helping launch Safehome Systems, Inc. to support victims of domestic violence in the Alleghany Highlands. Stephanie also had a passion for teaching. She was a beloved science teacher in Roanoke City and Roanoke County Public Schools, where she retired in 2014.

Whether it was working with her students in the classroom, or doing science experiments at home with her grandchildren, her love of science was infectious. The end of her career was spent teaching students to love reading as a librarian in Roanoke City schools.

Stephanie is survived by her four children and their spouses, along with seven grandchildren, Chris (Melanie) Tyree and son, (Jack) of Crozet, Sam (Lisa) Tyree and son, (Max) and daughter, (Mia) of Charlottesville, Ross (Kirsten) Tyree and sons, (Pehr and Luca) of Richmond, and Ashley Tyree Morales and daughter, (Lula) and son, (Sully) of Riner; mother, Sarah "Blackie" Payne of Iron Gate; sisters, Melanie White and Jackie Leathers of Iron Gate; and numerous cousins.

Stephanie's life will be celebrated by friends and family at Nicely Funeral home in Clifton Forge, Virginia, with visitation on Saturday, October 20 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed immediately by a memorial service. Friends and family wishing to honor Stephanie's memory through donation should consider Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke, Virginia.

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.