Stephanie Thierry McIntosh

Born February 26, 1949, in Kansas City, Kansas, Stephanie Marilyn Thierry McIntosh was the eighth and youngest child of Clyde and Ella Mae Thierry. Affectionately known as “Stuff” to her family and close friends, Stephanie was a fraternal twin, born just 16 minutes after her beloved twin sister, Melanie Carolyn. From the very beginning, the two were inseparable.

Stephanie attended Dunbar North Elementary School, where she excelled in Math and Science. Tragically, at the tender age of 10, her mother, Ella Mae passed away. Stephanie was then lovingly raised by her Aunt Wanda, alongside her father.

During middle school at Northeast Junior High School, Stephanie continued to thrive academically. Known for her tomboyish spirit, she once famously bested a classmate in a schoolyard fight—a story proudly retold by her siblings. She went on to attend Sumner High School, where she was active in multiple clubs, played musical instruments, violin and cello, and cheered on her peers as a spirited varsity cheerleader. She was a top academic student throughout her school life. She graduated from Sumner High School as a salutatorian in 1967.

Shortly after graduation, Stephanie and Melanie moved to California with their older sister Sylvia and brother-in-law Abel. She enrolled at Grossmont Junior College in San Diego, California, then transferred to the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) and began a new chapter in her life. In 1970, Stephanie welcomed her first daughter, Paige Melanie. Stephanie resumed her academic journey and in 1972, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling from California State University, Dominguez Hills. 

Stephanie briefly returned to Kansas City, Kansas, and soon married her childhood sweetheart, Larry Vernice McIntosh, at Strangers Rest Baptist Church, where the Thierry family were faithful members. She and Larry relocated to Tacoma, Washington, where they cultivated a vibrant circle of friends. Together, they raised four children: Paige Melanie, Larry Vernice II, Ebony Rose, and Lateef Vincent.

In 1983, with the addition of baby Jared Thierry, the McIntosh family moved to Southern California. In 1988, her youngest son, Jamaal Alexander, was born. Stephanie went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Counseling in 1996. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Mu Beta Omega Chapter in Inglewood, California.

Her first counseling position at Compton High School left a lasting impression on her and all the students she counseled. She worked there for over 15 years, forging lifelong friendships and mentoring countless students toward college aspirations. Despite the infamous reputation of Compton High, Stephanie’s compassion and strength helped transform lives. She was beloved and respected on campus and believed in the potential of all students.

In 1998, Stephanie began her role as a counselor at Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo High School in the Long Beach Unified School District. As a foundational figure at the newly opened school, she quickly became a beacon of hope and guidance. Her legacy lives on through the countless students she uplifted and inspired. There was hardly a place she could go without “Ms. McIntosh” being recognized and warmly greeted.

Beyond her work, Stephanie was a woman of many passions. She loved shopping—especially at Nordstrom, a favorite she discovered during her years in Tacoma, Washington. She spent countless hours exploring luxury home decor stores. She had an aesthetically pleasing eye for decorating and design trends. She, twin sister Melanie, and daughter Ebony Rose shared a cherished ritual of weekend shopping trips followed by lunch.

Stephanie was endlessly selfless. Her love for her family and friends knew no bounds. She was deeply devoted to her grandchildren, most of whom lived close by and visited regularly. Her home was always open, often serving as a haven for family and friends during challenging times. She also played a vital role in helping many children navigate school choice and the college admissions process. Stephanie was a passionate and dedicated champion of Historically Black Colleges & Universities, African-American art, culture, and the fullest expression of Black Excellence.

Stephanie never missed a sporting event, dance, music recital, or family celebration. She delighted in holiday dinners, laughter, good music, thrilling action, British mysteries, and cheering on her favorite teams. Her spirit, strength, and warmth were a cornerstone of her family.

Stephanie was preceded in death by her mother, Ella Mae Thierry, her father, Clyde Thierry, her beloved Aunt Wanda, her sisters Rose Marie, Sylvia, and Sonja, and her infant grandson, Reginald T. Baker II.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 52 years, Larry, five siblings: Daphne, Sharon, Melanie, John, Sondra, and beloved brother-in-law, Nathaniel Sims: six children: Paige (Reginald), Larry II (Nancy), Ebony Rose, Lateef (Rosal), Jared (Julie), and Jamaal(Debbie); 24 grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends. Stephanie was a one-of-a-kind wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, and pillar of her community. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.