11/03/2025
Vicki Carolyn Stephenson was born on November 29, 1975 in Waco, TX to Howard Kent Bachtel and Jamie Lillian Bachtel. She passed away on October 30, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones after a long battle with cancer. After graduating from Midway High School and then Howard Payne University, she began her career as an insurance salesman until she found her true calling in education. On June 6, 2009 Vicki married the love of her life Josh Stephenson in Waco, TX. Vicki was a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, teacher and coach’s wife who lived her life with a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. A dedicated follower of Christ, she approached every day with grace, courage, and love, reflecting His light in everything she did. Her life was a beautiful example of faith in action; she loved without hesitation, gave without question, and encouraged all those around her to seek joy and hope through the Lord. Vicki loved serving the lord by serving others, she loved sports, music, shopping, cooking, traveling but most of all she loved her family.
As a teacher, Vicki poured her heart into her students, inspiring them to learn, grow, and believe in themselves. She was known for her loving spirit and fearless heart, facing every challenge with strength and unwavering faith. Vicki was always filled with light, love and kindness. She had a way of making everyone feel seen, loved, and special no matter who they were. Vicki was everyone’s biggest cheerleader and supporter, she loved not just her people but all people, with her whole heart.
Vicki is survived by her husband, Josh Stephenson; her daughter, Grace; her son, Bowen; her mother, Jamie Bachtel; her brothers Jeremy Bachtel and John Bachtel and wife Stacy; mother-in-law Vickie Stephenson; brother-in-law Jacob Stephenson and wife Sara; sister-in-law Amanda Auvenshine; and nieces and nephews, Jonathan, Tess, Layla, Leslie, and Luna Bachtel, Emma Bachtel, TJ, Kaci, Cooper and Fletcher McVey, Ty and Shelby Bachtel, Daicee Auvenshine, and Wyatt and Drake Stephenson and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Kent Bachtel and father-in-law Jerry Stephenson.
“ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7 “FEARLESS”.
Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6 - 8pm at First Baptist Church in Fairfield. Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday morning November 5, 2025, at 10:30am at First Baptist Church in Fairfield with a graveside to follow at 1:30pm at Waco Memorial Park.
Vicki would want those attending to wear your school colors, no matter what school you attend or graduated from.
The service can be viewed on YouTube First Baptist Church - Fairfield, Texas.