Stephanie Jean Williams Silver, 38

Stephanie was born March 8, 1973, to Linda Tyler Paisano and Alex Williams, the youngest of three daughters. She enjoyed life to the very fullest until she died suddenly Nov. 11, 2011, of natural causes in her home in Seattle. Stephanie was the proud mother of two beautiful sons, Jalani Kidd and Sam Wah Silver.

Stephanie was a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indians, a descendant of the Nez Perce Tribe, as well as Makah, from Neah Bay, Wash. She was raised in Lapwai, on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation, by her dad and mom, Ferris and Linda Paisano. When Ferris married Linda, he became the proud father of Stephanie, along with her sisters, Joni and Angela. She graduated from Lapwai High School in 1991. From there, Stephanie went on to attend Washington State University, as well as the University of Idaho and North Seattle Community College.

Stephanie was soft spoken, kind-hearted, and a genuine friend to those she grew up with. At an early age, her artistic ability to paint and draw became apparent and she spent many hours mastering her talents in painting, drawing, watercolor, beading and sewing.

Stephanie married Lavoni Kidd in 1993, and they later had a son that same year, Jalani (18). The marriage ended in divorce. She married Khalil Silver in 1998, and they had a son, Sam Wah (12). That marriage also ended in divorce. Stephanie remained a dedicated, loving mother to her sons and raised them in Seattle.

Stephanie spent the last several years working as an accountant for Evans Glass. The recession hit her company hard and she was laid off. That did not dampen her spirits. Anyone who knew her, knew of her love of dancing and music. She spent the most recent months enjoying dance classes, salsa and bachata.

Ironically, Stephanie also spent the last several months renewing her Baha'i Faith, taking a class in Ruhi. Stephanie faithfully practiced her beliefs even as a young girl. She spent summers throughout her childhood going to Baha'i youth activities across the U.S. The fundamental belief of her faith is the oneness of the entire human race, the basic unity of all religions; and the condemnation of all forms of prejudice. Anyone who knew Stephanie knows she was someone who held all walks of life in high regard. She had a love for learning new cultures and enjoyed learning about her own culture and heritage.

Stephanie could strike up a conversation with anyone and was always genuinely interested in their lives. Stephanie was a strikingly beautiful woman; however, she spent her time always complimenting others on their beauty and talents. The real beauty of our beautiful sister and daughter was her amazing way of bringing out the best of everyone around her.

Stephanie loved to ride horses. She loved spending time with her family, including her sisters, Joni and Angela. Stephanie enjoyed cooking and baking. She was extremely creative in everything she did.

Stephanie would say her greatest accomplishments are her two sons, Jalani and Sam Wah. She loved taking care of their every need and making sure they knew they were loved.

Stephanie is survived by her two sons, Jalani Kidd and Sam Wah Silver; her mother and father, Linda and Ferris Paisano of Lapwai; her father, Alex Williams of Seattle; her sisters, Angela Williams, Joni Williams and Lawney Williams, of Lapwai; a brother, Alex Williams Jr., of Seattle; and two grandmothers, Klara Tyler of Lapwai and Frances Paisano of Sweetwater.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Hans and Cecilia Sternbeck, Joseph and Iva Lawrence, and Alex and Eleanor Williams; her grandfathers, William Tyler, and Ferris Paisano Jr.; and grandmother, Peni Jones.

Stephanie's countless friends and family are invited to her graveside service 11 a.m. Thursday at Jonas Cemetery in Lapwai. Immediately following the graveside service, please attend the remembrance and dinner for Stephanie at the Pi-Nee-Waus Community Building in Lapwai.

Memorial contributions can be made to Vassar- Rawls Funeral Home of Lewiston in Stephanie's name, which will be put toward assistance to her sons, Jalani and Sam Wah.