Stephanie was a graduate of Ariton High School, Troy University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and Life University with a Master of Science in Positive Psychology. True to her spirit of continual growth, she was recently in pursuit of her PhD to expand her expertise in the field.
Stephanie has been a pivotal force in cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging both personally and professionally. For almost 15 years at CGI, she held a variety of roles making lasting contributions. In her most recent role as a proclaimed Human Thriving Advocate, she turned positive psychology into a strategic force that elevated teams, transformed cultures, and touched hearts. She was not just a practitioner, but a pioneer of human-centric leadership. She was a mentor, an ally, a motivator, and a model example of “grit, gratitude, and Grace.”
Stephanie’s impact reached far beyond the workplace and was once recognized by “Women We Admire” as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Alabama. Her compassion transcended through the city of Troy and surrounding areas seen in her work with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Pike County Junior Ambassadors, Leadership Pike, Troy Animal Rescue Project, the Boys and Girls Club, and a host of other enriching organizations.
Stephanie lived intentionally and cherished the profoundly beautiful bond she had with her wife, Valerie. She was also a loving and engaged mother to her four children. Whether cheering at baseball games for Clay and Cooper, enjoying theatrical performances with Xavier, or having meaningful conversations about mind and body with Caleb, Stephanie shared unconditional and supportive love while enjoying life with those she held most dear.
Stephanie found peace in meditation and inspiration in nature. As a child, she found joy in camping with her family and later continued outdoor family adventures with Valerie and their boys. Stephanie and Valerie shared many finish lines together as passionate runners, completing marathons and half marathons side by side. More recently, she discovered a love for watercolor painting, which blossomed into an act of generosity. Carrying small pieces of her art inscribed with messages of hope, she gifted them to others at the cancer center, friends, and family.
Stephanie was a remarkable woman, deeply loved and respected by all who knew her. While she will be dearly missed, her legacy will live on, continuing to inspire and uplift those whose lives she touched.
Stephanie was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Malvina Reed and Myrtie Roop; and her grandfather, Harris Cooper. Survivors include her wife of 11 years, Valerie LaBonte; children, Clay Johnson, Cooper Johnson, Xavier Reichbaum, and Caleb Reichbaum; parents, Faye and Tommy Jackson; sister, Jennifer (Brandon) Scott; brother, Thomas Jackson; and numerous other family members and friends.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Leak Memory Chapel in Montgomery, Alabama, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 PM in the chapel with Gene Oden and Dax Pugh officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to METAvivor (https://donate.metavivor.org/fundraiser/6307762) in Stephanie's memory or to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at www.Leak-MC.com.
