Stephanie Rene (Lynch) Daugherty

Stephanie Rene Daugherty, 75, of Kokomo passed away peacefully at her home Saturday, May 17, 2025.  She was born May 20, 1949, in Kokomo to Paul Frederick Lynch and Ollie D. (Brown) Lynch-Jones both preceded her in death.

Stephanie retired from Delco Electronics in Kokomo, IN as a supervisor. Her career journey also included roles as a Branch Manager in Banking and as a manager at Carnation. This reflects her versatility and leadership skills. She pursued studies in both nursing and architecture, reflecting her diverse interests and passion for learning as well.

In her youth, Stephanie danced her way through life—literally. A gifted ballerina, she was even offered the chance to study abroad. At Kokomo High School, where she graduated, she was a cheerleader, a member of the National Honor Society, and a proud debutante. She was actively involved in her community through Wayman Chapel AME Church and the Carver Center’s SOJARO Club (Soul, Jazz, and Rock), where she helped organize fashion shows and was a key figure in the first Black Miss Kokomo Pageant. This is also where she got the nickname “Squabbler”. 

Stephanie loved music and the arts. Whether at a concert, jazz festival, or just dancing in the kitchen with family, she carried joy wherever she went. Her laughter was infectious, and her presence was magnetic. She was an excellent cook and always made holidays special for her loved ones! Known for her impeccable taste and keen eye for detail, Stephanie kept an immaculate home where everything had its place. And if you loved shopping, you probably had Stephanie to thank—she proudly passed that “shopping gene” to her girls, Lonnie and Spencer.

In retirement, her heart belonged to her family—especially her granddaughter Spencer, who lovingly called her “Nana Banana.” She was active in the Taylor School Corporation as a class parent, always side-by-side with her daughter Elana. She cheered from the sidelines as a softball, choir, and color guard Nana, often traveling across Indiana to support Spencer’s competitions.

When she wasn’t on the go, Stephanie enjoyed reality TV with her favorite snack—Pop Secret popcorn with extra butter. She was a devoted viewer of The Real Housewives, Days of Our Lives (“like sands through the hourglass…”), and all the “One Chicago” shows—if you know, you know. she was also very vocal in her group chat, “The Golden Girls”. 

Stephanie, (Nay-Nay) leaves behind a legacy of elegance, passion, and unconditional love. Her memory lives on in every perfectly folded towel, every jazz tune in the air, every shopping bag swung over a shoulder, and most of all, in the hearts of those she loved fiercely.

Stephanie is survived by her daughter, Elana Renee Daugherty and granddaughter, Spencer -Janay Arnett (Fiancée Ken) of Kokomo; Sister-in-law: Bobbi Lynch brothers: Richard (Kelsey) Lynch, Kansas, Marshall Lynch, Indianapolis, Jeffery (Elena) Lynch, Zionsville, and Hansel Reese. and sister: Judith Reese, Kokomo.     

Nieces and nephews, Delmo  (Taneasha) Dowling, Tracy Dowling ; Aubrion Woodard (Ressiah); Heather Renee Dowling; Kaiya Lynch; Noah (Shelbie and Denver) and Sydney Lynch; Jeffery Lynch II (Carliea and Carly) and Jaylen Lynch; Andrecus (Jia) Jania , Andria(Aiden) and Andrecus (ShaRaya ,Emory, and Emiyah) Eddington; Durale Kenner Aunt: Deborah (Timothy) White.She is also survived by a host of relatives, special friends, and neighbors- Michelle Glassburn, The Beams and The Perkins. Special Daughters : Lori Foulks (Deckard) and Michael Ann Ligon and Bray Bray ! She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Delmo Lynch, Roderick Lynch, Keith McCreary and “sister” Deborah Sue Dowling. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elana Daugherty, to help cover funeral expenses.

Murray Weaver Funeral Home is Honored to serve the Daugherty family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

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