Stephanie Lee Stiglets Hanzalik

Stephanie Lee Stiglets Hanzalik, 50, of Slidell, LA was received by The Lord on Monday, November 25, 2013 following a long battle with a prolonged illness. Stephanie was born to Peggy Jane Stiglets and William Douglas Stiglets Sr. in Gulfport, MS. Stephanie graduated from Harrison Central High School in 1981. She was lovingly married to James Edward Hanzalik, CAPT, USCG (ret.), of Biloxi, MS on October 13, 1984. Stephanie shone her bright light on every shore she resided on as she traveled with her husband James to each station the U.S. Coast Guard would send them: Gulfport, MS; Portsmouth, VA; Milton, FL; Mobile, AL; Richmond Hill, GA; Camden, NC; and finally, Slidell, LA. While in Gulfport, Stephanie worked as a receptionist at Butch Oustalet Ford where her distinctive voice was heard each day, "Good morning, Butch Oustalet Ford Subaru Saab!”- until she turned her efforts toward making a home for her three children: James II, Katie, and Joshua. She returned to employment as a receptionist at J.C. Lewis Ford in Savannah, GA when her nest settled to her satisfaction. Stephanie loved her work, in both employment and in caring for and raising her children. In all things Stephanie offered her exuberance and warmth. She built lasting friendships and loved to be surrounded by other people as nurturer, entertainer, and storyteller. She was a beautiful human being in every respect- on the outside, and most especially in the brightness of her spirit. To see her and be in her presence was a joy for everyone. Stephanie never met a stranger. She had a particular affection for the weakest among us - children, the elderly, the disabled, and the suffering. Stephanie is preceded by her grandparents: Jacob Clarence "J.C." Geil; Beulah Nix Geil; Aline Lee Stiglets; Douglas Emory Stiglets; and stepfather, Thomas Ward, all of Gulfport, MS. She is survived by her husband, James Edward Hanzalik Sr. of Slidell, LA; her eldest son, James Edward Hanzalik, II of Spanish Fort, AL; her daughter, Kathryn Aline Hanzalik of New Orleans, LA; her youngest son, Joshua Brian Hanzalik and his son, her only grandchild, Raegan. She is also survived by her mother, Peggy Jane Stiglets-Ward of Gulfport, MS; her father, William Douglas Stiglets, Sr. of Houston, TX; her brothers William and Stephen Stiglets of Gulfport, MS and Sean Stiglets of Ocean Springs, MS; half-brothers Barry Stiglets, Christopher Stiglets and Blaine Stiglets all of Houston, TX, and step-brothers Bobby Ward of Houston, TX and Mike Ward of Austin, TX. A viewing and subsequent funeral service will be held at Gulfhaven Mennonite Church in Gulfport on Saturday, November 30, 2013. The viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for family members, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for all else who would like to celebrate her homecoming and send her there with love, with funeral services to begin at 1 p.m. Her burial will follow the service at the church cemetery. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’neal Road in Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, we request that memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Multiple Sclerosis Society National MS Society, PO Box 4527, New York, NY 10163, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans, 700 Edwards Avenue New Orleans, LA 70123. Stephanie gratefully carried that old rugged cross, but her burden is now laid down. She exchanged it for her crown. Knowing her destination, Stephanie parted from us in faith, and with love.