Stephanie Victoria Bully, 65, peacefully transitioned on August 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on December 16, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan. Stephanie lived a life dedicated to service, education, and love that touched countless hearts.

A LIFE OF SERVICE AND PURPOSE

Stephanie began her career serving her hometown as a Detroit Police Officer for eight years, demonstrating her early commitment to protecting and caring for others. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master's in Political Science from Michigan State University, she discovered her true calling in education and became a certified teacher.

For over two decades, Stephanie poured her heart into nurturing young minds as a beloved first-grade teacher. She taught briefly at St. Matthew's before finding her home at Christ the King School in 1998, where she served with distinction until her retirement in 2022.

Known to her students as "Ms. Bully," her classroom was a sanctuary of calm, order, and compassion. She had a remarkable gift for making every child feel loved and seen, and her guidance was always fair and encouraging. Throughout her 25 years of teaching, she treated each first-grader as her own, shaping young lives with patience and wisdom. Her legacy lives on in the hundreds of students who learned not just their letters and numbers, but also kindness and confidence under her care.

FAITH AND COMMUNITY

Stephanie's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church in April 1998, initially calling St. Bede her home church. After its closure, she became a cherished member of Christ the King Parish. Her deep belief in the power of education was evident in everything she did, and she found great joy in serving her church and school community as a Eucharistic Minister and treasured School Board Member.

A HEART FULL OF JOY

Stephanie found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She was an avid reader who cherished Christmas as her favorite time of year. She was a devoted fan of The Golden Girls (even dressing as Dorothy for Halloween), adored the Peanuts characters—especially Snoopy—and was a lifelong New York Yankees fan, a tradition she treasured from listening to games on the radio with her grandmother in her younger years.

She loved the music of the Jersey Boys and Frankie Valli, delighted in trying different foods, and enjoyed sharing adventures with loved ones. Her compassionate heart extended to all living creatures, as she regularly supported the Humane Society and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Even while courageously facing a debilitating illness for years, she never let it diminish her radiant spirit or her ability to be a friend to anyone without judgment.

Stephanie found genuine happiness in seeing people excel and always had a kind, encouraging word for everyone she met.

THE HEART OF FAMILY

Above all, Stephanie treasured her family with an extraordinary depth of love. She shared an unbreakable bond with her mother, Kieko Bully, who was not only her best friend but her constant companion and travel mate. Together, they created cherished routines, shared countless hours watching television, and moved through life in perfect sync—a beautiful partnership built on unconditional love and understanding.

Stephanie was equally close to her sisters, who were among her dearest friends. She was a loving and devoted aunt who created countless precious memories with her niece and nephews through joyful family gatherings that she treasured deeply.

THOSE WHO REMAIN

Stephanie was preceded in death by her father, Daniel Lee Bully; her brother, Dan Bully; her niece, Jessica Warnicke; and her beloved dog, Destinie. She is lovingly survived by her mother and best friend, Kieko Bully; her devoted sisters Amanda Rajabzadeh, Ella Bully-Cummings, Arleen Bully, Deloris Spivey (Brian Spivey), Rosemarie Bully, and Tammie Bully (David Edwards); her sister-in-law Angela Bully; her former brother-in-law Thomas Warnicke; her cherished niece Rachel Amai Warnicke; her four wonderful nephews Reginald Cortez Gates, Brandon Spivey, Dan Bully II, and Richard Daniel Thomas Warnicke; and step-nieces Chantel Edwards and Eliana Edwards; as well as many loving extended family members. Stephanie will also be deeply missed by her many friends and colleagues.

A LEGACY OF LOVE

Stephanie's legacy is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and joy. It lives on in every student she taught, every life she touched, and every act of kindness she inspired. She leaves behind a beautiful example that teaches us all how to live with grace, compassion, and joy—and to cherish life to the fullest.

SERVICE DETAILS

Visitation for Stephanie will be held on Wednesday, August 20th, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. She will lie in state on Thursday, August 21st, at 10:00 a.m., until the time of her Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church, 20800 Grand River Ave., Detroit. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, 1200 Elmwood Ave., Detroit. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to Christ the King Catholic School for a scholarship fund in Stephanie's name. Donations for the scholarship and condolences to the family may be addressed to the parish office, 16805 Pierson St., Detroit, MI 48219.