Briana Stephen

I had an epiphany today while sitting in the oncologist's office. There's so much talk and paraphernalia about finding cures for cancer. There's bitter talk about why Heavenly Father would allow such suffering. I sat there thinking to myself, No. My heart tells me it's not like that at all! ... Think of the communities and families that have come together to love, serve, and mourn with one another.

Our Father in heaven provides opportunities every day for us to keep his commandments, to follow His ultimate example of serving, loving, caring for His spirit children, our spirit brothers and sisters. I get to experience firsthand on a daily basis how beautiful the hearts of mankind really are.

Turn off the news of contentious politics, crime, and adultery for a bit. You'll find a world of compassion. PLEASE ACCEPT MY GRATITUDE to all those who uplift and show me what leading a Christ-like life is really all about. Loads and loads of LOVE!!!

-Bri, March 2010



Friday, May 6, 2011

Briana Shuri Boulter Stephen
September 9, 1979-May 6, 2011

Briana passed away on Friday, May 6, 2011. Because of her determination and strong will she fought a valiant fight against cancer. When doctors said she would only live 3-6 months she fought and lived a life filled with joy and service for others for 2 ½ years. However, due to her never failing faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ she knew that she was needed on the other side. She never hesitated to answer yes to the call.

Her heart broke to leave her amazing children and wonderful husband but she knew that the Lord would take care of them here. Briana was a great example of a Christ-like person. She was someone that we all strive to be like and we can’t wait until the day that we are able to hold her in our arms again. We are grateful for the blessing of eternal families and are so excited that she finally has the healthy and whole body that she has been longing to have. Briana will live forever in all of our memories.

Final details for memorial services will be posted in the coming days:

For those in Roseville, an open house will be held at the Stephen residence 1400 Barnwood Ln., Roseville, CA 95747 this Wednesday, May 11th from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Anyone is welcome.

A memorial service in her honor will be held in Simi Valley, CA on the morning of May 14, 2011 at a time and location to be posted later.

We will remember you always Bri ... Mother, Wife, and an example to us all.

Love,

SixStephens
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17 comments:

  1. Erick and MeganMay 6, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    I don't know your family but you are an inspiration and will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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  2. KellieMay 6, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    Your family will be in our hearts and prayers.

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  3. Frank ThompsonMay 6, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Bri and I use to play sports together back in junior high. Even though we have not been in actual contact in 20yrs her story has forever touched my heart. I found a quote today that reminds me of her I would like to share “Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, love is stronger than death.” Today the earth lost a true angel she will truly be missed and today is a day to celebrate her life R.I.P Bri!!!

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  4. KristinaMay 6, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    We are so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
    The Lords Family

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  5. JamieMay 6, 2011 at 11:11 PM

    Our thoughts and Prayers are with your sweet family.
    Layne and Jamie Mortensen

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  6. Nuestra FamiliaMay 6, 2011 at 11:21 PM

    We will miss Bri so much. She will always be a great example to me. She always lived life to the fullest! Your Family are in our prayers. With Love, Ale Ray

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  7. Sean MacdonaldMay 7, 2011 at 12:32 AM

    We love you and will miss you Bri!!! Take care of our twins for us. We are very sorry for the loss of this great mother. We love you Stephen Family.

    Sean, Amanda, Ana, and Liam.

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  8. UnknownMay 7, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    I'm so sorry and I know your she is going to a place of comfort which she is long overdue. I love you guys and I'm so sad for you all, I will never forget you and if you need me for anything please call me 677-9250 KImberli
    Bri's beauty will light the heavens, making us think of her always.

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  9. onehmMay 7, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    I have been following your blog after April referenced it on facebook. My heart is broken for your family, but I am so thankful for your clear testimony of the gospel and forever families. Our prayers are with you.

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  10. susanMay 7, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your lives. Thank you Bri for being a beautiful example of discipleship and motherhood. I honor you this mother's day for your example of love, faith, and good will! Bri made a wonderful impression on me and she changed my heart for good. Your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers and we would love to serve and help you during this time.
    Sincerely,
    The Biery Family

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  11. Diana Gomez-AndersonMay 7, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Bri, Thank you for your wonderful example. Your life is a light and a testimony of strength, faith and love. We admire your determination and desire to fight to the end in everything you set your mind to do. Your cheerful spirit, and your love for all those around you is a worthy example to emulate. Thank you for leaving such an amazing and exemplary life in every way. We always remember how you run up that hill during the Ragnar Relay in 2008. This was an allegory of how you were in everything in life, determined to overcome, to achieve your goals, and to fight to the end.
    Dear Stephen Family, you are in our prayers. We pray that you will continue to have the faith to overcome what lies ahead, that all of you will feel the peace and love of God in your hearts, that your lives and path will be guided. You are not alone.

    Love

    The Andersons

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  12. Mark and KarenMay 8, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    Dear Stephen and Boulter Family,
    Very few will ever know the depths of sorrow or the height of love and compassion that you have experienced. We rejoice with you that Bri is free from the body of suffering. We grieve with you in the separation that death forces upon you for a time. We HOPE with you for a future that is bright and beautiful, that offers tremendous opportunities for you to build on the foundation of love and faith you have built as a family.
    May the Lord comfort, strengthen and carry you- you are in our continued prayers.
    We love you,
    The Timothy Family

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  13. Gwilliam HouseMay 8, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    What a wonderful legacy Bri has left. She was always smiling, and caring and wanting to serve others. We wish we were all a little more like her. She is smiling down on her wonderful family right now, watching over you.

    We are thinking and praying for you all and wish comfort and peace on you and the strength of the Lord to carry you.

    The Gwilliam Family

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  14. Gwilliam HouseMay 8, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    You don't know me, but my brother is in your ward. Your blog has inspired us.
    My heart goes out to your family. Your wife and mother, sister, friend, fought a good fight. The Lord is proud. She has gone though the refiner's fire and has earned her place next to God. May you all be blessed today, feeling her near you, loving you still.
    Love, Cherie Cobabe (Gwilliam)

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  15. TrishAndersonMay 8, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    Dear Stephens and Boulter Family,

    I grew up in the same ward ss the Boulter Family during my young single adult years. I have been reading and following your blog for a while now. The strength and faith you show are amazing. I am truly inspired through your family's story and experiences. I know words can not soften the loss. Perhaps this can be of small comfort to you:

    (3rd verse of "How Firm a Foundation")
    "Fear Not I am with thee.
    Oh, be not dismayed.
    For I am thy God
    and will still give thee aid.
    I'll strengthen thee,
    Help thee and cause thee to stand.
    Upheld by my righteous,
    Upheld by my righteous,
    Upheld by my righteous
    Omnipotent hand."

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  16. Brock and Lisa McKeownMay 8, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Just wanted to say that my heart goes out to your family. Bri has left a wonderful legacy behind, but four wonderful kids have been taught by her example. I cant imaging today has been easy being Mothers Day, but what a great day to celebrate Bri's life!!

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  17. UnknownMay 8, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    Bri will be missed, but her strength and courage will live on through us and through those who hear her story. Your family will be in our hearts and prayers. I feel honored to have had the chance to meet such a lovely and giving person as Bri. I will miss my friend <3
    love, Sandee, Tom & Jack Skinner

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