Tributes

Stephanie Marie Hedrick, age 12, danced joyfully into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at her home. Mom, Angela Earnhardt Metzger welcomed The Champ, as she was so aptly nicknamed, on August 13, 2005. Stephanie earned the name The Champ three months before she was born because Angie already knew what a fighter she was going to be. She was diagnosed with Down syndrome and a multitude of other serious conditions but overcame many of them before she was even born. The challenges she was born with were just that, challenges. They were never seen as disabilities but rather opportunities to bless others through the complications she faced with anything but quiet tenacity. Hundreds, no, thousands of individuals were touched by Stephi’s life during her short 12 years here. Her beautiful, infectious smile and "high five" goodbyes always left people with a feeling of wonder that so much joy could radiate from a non-verbal little girl. Stephanie enjoyed horse riding therapy at Wings of Eagles Therapeutic Horse Ranch for seven years where she received no less than six Blue Ribbons! She was a member of the dance troupe, In His Steps in Mooresville for five years where she participated in several recitals. She was the "plus one" at two MHS proms where her wheelchair was decorated to match her dress! One of her favorite pastimes was watching movies like The Sound of Music and Frozen, and TV shows, The Fresh Beat Band and Veggie Tales. She also loved Christian music videos, because they were her "jam". She would rock out to ‘God’s Not Dead’ and many other upbeat declarations of God’s amazing Love. Stephi leaves an incredible legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Everyone that came into contact with her over the last twelve years, from hospital staff, in home care personnel, family and friends to complete strangers they met in the store, on the street, or through her Caringbridge page, felt more than just compassion for her circumstances. They came away with a gift; an unexplainable feeling of hope, perseverance and love.Left to honor her memory alongside her mom are Stephanie’s father, Walter Glenn Hedrick, III; her amazing big brother and protector, Samuel John Hedrick; grandfather, John "Pop Pop" Earnhardt, Jr; aunts Melany (Fred) Earnhardt and Christina (Kevin) Jones, wonderful godmother, Jennie LeBeau; paternal grandmother, Louise Hedrick; other extended family members and many, many friends and supporters, including all of her unbelievably loving caregivers. Stephanie was preceded in death by her maternal grandma, Rebecca M. and ‘Papa Ted’ Essick, and her paternal grandfather, Walt Hedrick, Jr.A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 7 at The Cove Church, 197 Langtree Rd. Mooresville with Rev. Louis Smith officiating assisted by Jerel Law. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, PO Box 977, Mooresville, NC 28115, to help with funeral expenses. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville is serving the family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Tributes

Stephanie Marie Hedrick

August 13, 2005 - September 30, 2017