Rachel Elizabeth Stephens

Rachel Elizabeth Stephens, 22, of Mechanicsville, VA., passed from the arms of her loving parents into the arms of Jesus on October 20, 2026. She passed peacefully at her home surrounded by her family.

She was preceded in Death by her Grandfather, Thomas Stephens; Great Grandparents, Pat and Betty Patterson, Bill and June Lee, and Jack Ross.

Rachel LOVED Jesus! Her faith was the most important aspect of her life. She loved having the Bible read to her, and she loved praising God through singing with her special voice and with an expression of excitement on her face when hearing about Jesus. Rachel was a beloved sister of the Restoration Church family. Although she was unable to attend church in person, she faithfully participated in worship virtually every Sunday.

Rachel loved life and loved being around the people who loved and cared about her. Some of her favorite things to do were having books read to her, watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, playing board games – especially Princess Yahtzee, playing with her musical toys, listening to music, and singing songs.

Rachel touched so many lives during her days on earth…many more than her parents can even imagine. Her sweet smile lit up whatever room she was in. Her laugh was contagious, and she radiated pure joy. She melted the hearts of everyone she met. Her strength and perseverance amidst her constant physical struggles were an inspiration to everyone that knew her.

Rachel’s absence will leave a huge hole in the hearts of her parents, Greg and Melanie Stephens, her family, and all who loved her. However, we rejoice and give thanks that she is now running, singing, talking, and playing in heaven, and she is praising and being loved on by Jesus every single minute!

Rachel is survived by her parents, Greg and Melanie Stephens; Grandparents, Foster and Frances Lee and Lucille Stephens; Aunts and Uncles, Kevin and Jamie Lee, Crystal and Steven Foster, and Heather and Josh Swaney; Godmother, Shelby Brooks; Cousins, Nathan, Colby, and Dustin Lee, William and Taylor Foster, Grant and Nicole Foster, and Alyssa, Sydney, Ainsley, and Kyla Swaney. Rachel is also survived by a large circle of extended family and friends.

Interment will be private.

Celebration of Life service will be held at Restoration Church in Mechanicsville, VA on Saturday November 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The family will be receiving friends before the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. and after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to:

Chapters Health Hospice, 10330 Staples Mill Rd, Ste 204, Glen Allen, VA 23060, or

Restoration Church, 9161 Atlee Rd, Ste C, Mechanicsville, VA 23116

The family wishes to sincerely thank the MANY teachers, therapists, doctors, nurses, and friends who have supported us throughout Rachel’s life. Rachel has been blessed by so much compassionate care over the many stages of her life. Special thanks to the staff at Counseling and Advocacy Associates who helped Greg and Melanie navigate Sponsored Residential care which allowed them both to be home with Rachel for the last 17 months of her life.

Finally, the loving, compassionate care that the staff of Chapters Health Hospice consistently provided for Rachel during her final eleven months of her life was such a precious gift to the entire family. They faithfully walked with Rachel and her parents until her earthly race was complete and she ran HOME to Jesus