Stephanie Andring was killed by a drunk driver on November 17, 2001....Please dont drink and drive, this beautiful girl could have been your sister or daughter.......We miss you baby!!

Letters to Stephanie

We have received several letters, poems, and stories about our sweet Stephanie, below are just a few. If you would like to include your thoughts on our 'Letters to Stephanie' page, please send to stephanie@iLoveOregon.com......Thank you!  Pictures of Stephanie and her friends are especially appreciated!

A thank you message from Stephanie's mom Susie

I want to Thank all that have wrote and stayed in touch with me these dreary last 7 months, I appreciate your help in keeping my daughters memory Alive. I have tried to write back to all that have put a story on here, if I failed Please Forgive me. I am on this site daily... It really helps me when I am missing her. I hope everyone is having a great and SAFE summer. Congratulations to all of you that graduated this year. I am sorry I missed it but I just couldn't bare to see it all. I am so Proud of you Jamie... I know our Steffie was watching you from above. I am sorry I missed some of you from the last week of school, I was hoping to have so many of you sign her yearbook, I appreciate those that did get around to signing it for me. I love seeing all of you but then its also very hard on me at the same time. I keep wanting to see Stephanie amongst all of you... I guess that is why I really had to take the girls and move away. Bridgett, I wanted to say Thank you for standing by Liz thru all of this, she has came a long way and really misses all of you. To Pup, Miss Katrina, Aura, and all of Steph's teachers and friends... Thank You  for everything that you all have done for me and the girls, You'll never know how much we appreciate it. Vic and the rest of you on the Metter chat... Thanks for the precious site you made, I go there daily too. I always knew my Stephanie was a great kid and had many friends, you have showed me how she touched all of your lives too. I am so Thankful she had wonderful friends like each and everyone of you... One day we will all be together again. Don't forget... If you ever hear that song "What if she's an Angel" think of Steffie. I have never heard anything that reminded me so much of her as this song does. I know she was sent to me as an Angel and God needed his Angel back to help him. Always remember that Drinking and Driving Kills! Don't put any parent or loved one through what me and my family are going through...

I love all of you..... Susie Liz Brittany and Tasha

Some Things you can not Forget (A letter from sister Liz)

   Some things you can not forget but when it comes down to it you just want to die. But in your heart you know that is not what you want. I try to be strong for my friends and my family. But I got to face it my sister is gone I can not bring her back even though I want her here every night. I look up at the sky and all I see is a bright star shining down on me. I try to go to school and get my education. But in my eyes I can not do it with out her. I have done good so far and I am showing her I can do it. But it is so hard to go thru it without her. My friend Tina tells me all the time every thing is going to be alright I am here for you no matter what, she is looking down on you and wanting you be strong and keep your head up. It does not always go that way. When something like this happens to you and it hits you hard. You will not no what to do because all you think about is that person. When the days go by it seems to get better but then it don't. You can never go a day without thinking about someone who you love and miss so very much. But I know she is looking down on me and wanting me to be strong. I try every day to be strong, Long as my Best Friend is around me I do good cause she helps me threw everything, I want to think my friend Kristina for being such a good friend, someone who  can count on and be there for me. My sister would be so happy to find out I have a good friend who looks up to me, like she did. But I know I have an angel looking down on me and that's what keeps me going everyday because my angel is here for me anytime of the day. I love you Steph and I miss you.

                                            Love Always your sister, Liz

Forever Stay in My Heart, a poem by her friend Ann

It was late when I heard the phone ring,
I didn't know what the grief would bring.

She was killed by one thoughtless mistake,
that a few of her friends decided to make.

I can't understand what they been thinking,
the driver of the car she was in had been drinking.

All I do now is think about her and cry,
and ask myself again and again, why?

I cherish all the memories that we shared,
and remember how much she loved and cared.

She is gone now, and yet it's still hard to part,
that's why she will forever stay in my heart.

In loving memory of: Stephanie Andring

I love you Stephanie,   Ann

Thoughts of Stephanie and her life by friend Tiffany Macro

Stephanie was someone very special! We always thought {IN JESUP} that she would be here forever! When we found out what happened we all cried! She was everyone's friend. But me and her in the 7th grade hung out all the time! I have pics. of us together and when I get upset I look at them just because I miss being able to talk to her about my problems! She always knew what was best! And she always told us how she felt even if she knew that we wouldn't like it! Because she was TRUE! She always wanted to be a cheerleader and she tried out both her 6th and 7th grade years! But in Jesup its who you know and how well you know them to be able to get ANYWHERE! And no matter how much she wanted it she always stood strong and said that there is always next year! Well little did anyone know! But it has taught me a lot to know that one of my best friends died at a young age...It thought me not to take life for granted! I truly loved her like a sis! And I don't know how her family can do with out her but I know Elizabeth is standing strong cause she always did. Mrs. Suzie I am TRUELY SORRY FOR YOUR LOST! But God never gives you anything that you can't handle! I really hope that my words didn't hurt anyone or upset anyone!

            Thanks, Tiffany Macro
            {Wayne County}
            Jesup, Georgia, 31545

Missing Stephanie, remembrances by Michole Mainer

Hi. I was a good friend of Stephanie's and also a fellow classmate. You don't have to put this on the page, I just wanted to say some stuff that was on my heart.  I remember that Friday before her death ever so clearly. As usual we were discussing CHEERLEADING Stephanie's love. She was so disappointed when I didn't cheer try out for cheerleading this year. Every time I saw her she'd always say, "Michole, you ARE trying out for the team next year." Everybody knows that Stephanie was a great person. When she first came here last year, I remember she started talking to me instantly as if I'd known her all my life. She was a joy to have known. I know you miss her so much. I know that I do. Sometimes at night I think about her. I just lost a cousin that was Stephanie's age. He died of cancer. But the one thing that ran throughout my mind that entire time was Stephanie, and why do young people die at such an early age?....She was supposed to be my partner in cheer this year. If I make the squad, I know she'll be my partner in spirit, and be there beside me at the games, yelling her heart out for the team. She was awesome, and I'm glad God gave me the chance to meet someone so special and have such an affect in my life. I know you're glad that God blessed you with such a wonderful child. Hope that you are doing well and God bless!!
 
                                                               Michole Mainer

God's new Angel, thoughts of Steph by Heather Conner

Hey, I'm Heather Conner and Stephanie was one of my closest friends. I loved to be around her if I had to choose someone to be around Stephanie would be my 1st choice! Her laugh always tripped me out. Susie I can't imagine the pain you feel but I want to let u and everybody else know that god is with us and Stephanie is smiling down at us.. She was an awesome cheerleader and I KNOW she LOVED it.. I'm not a cheerleading person and I always told Stephanie that, then she would always say 'I get to be seen on the football field'.. I would
always laugh at her.. I use to get sad easily but after I got to know Stephanie all of that came to a stop.. I was never with Stephanie when I was sad.. she always made me laugh no matter what...God couldn't have gotten a better person than Stephanie.. She always wanted me to stay the night with her but I never got the chance to go because we were all on the go 24/7! But we were together as much as we could.. She was always skipping and jumping around acting crazy... She could have been another Roy D. Mercer. She was such a loveable person... Susie u had a WONDERFUL child and we all loved her more than anyone will ever know! My mom (Linda Conner) called me yesterday saying that Mancy (the drunk driver who killed Stephanie) was finally charged and I went to tears! He was just about turned loose and let go after killing one of my closest friends.. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of Stephanie and miss her... Every night when I pray I ask Stephanie how is things and how much I love her and how much we all miss her and I now she is watching us! WE NOW KNOW THAT WE HAVE AN ANGEL ABOVE US WATCHING OVER U AND ME.

STEPHANIE U ARE VERY VERY VERY MUCH LOVED AND SADLY MISSED!
I LOVE U, Heather Conner

Looking up to Stephanie, thoughts by Ashley McLamb

A message to Stephanie, by friends Lisa and Tabitha

Steph..... Hey! We know your gone, but we just want you to know that we'll always love and  miss you. We didn't really get to say the right goodbyes cause you left the summer of  2000 from Jesup. When we found that you were gone we cried and I almost died. Everyone was talking about it, and saying that you were gone. I didn't want to believe it at first, but when I seen your grave that is when I could actually let you go. You will always be in everyone's heart and now we know that you are safe and with God now. I wake up crying and screaming because I dream of you and how you died, and they terrify me. Sometimes I still want to know why God took you away from the  people that love you the most. Now I know why, he needed someone to go cheer for him. Steph just to let you know we (all your friends from Jesup) love you and we really miss you. Someday we'll be back with you and with God.    Bye Steph  we love you!
 
                              Love ya always, Lisa Pruitt & Tabitha Tuggle

The night's newest star, letter to Steph by Robin Walters

Her Smile - Thoughts of 'Steffie' by Judy Hartman

Some called her "STEFFIE", some called her "squirt", Her smile was her trademark. A room would brighten when Stephanie came in, because the first thing you saw would be her grin! A daughter and sister so precious; a friend so true! Whatever she had, she'd share it with you! A thought, a deed, a kind word, But always, oh always, She'd share 'Her Smile'. Our hearts are breaking, our thoughts are going wild! We've lost our friend: We've lost our child! "But only for a while, I heard Jesus say "She's been chosen for the Master's Bouquet!" Hand selected by Jesus from this 'garden of life' Gone to Heaven! - She's through with this strife! Why is she gone? God only knows. But Oh what a treasure, A "smiling rose!"

To My Friends:

Always there, They always care. Times taken for granted, Now remembered. The short times now cherished. You never know, How much they mean, Till you think of the times you've spent All of the good times, And the bad. Sorry there had to be bad. You must know I miss you more, More than my own blood. Things we have done, Places we have gone, All in fun. Now a reminder, Of the times we spent. I don't know if you will ever know, The way that I feel, But you must know. I love you so. My Friends

A friend remembers Stephanie

I didn't know Stephanie very well but during the few months that I did know her she was a great friend. I meet her one night when we were both staying the night with Nicole Williams. Brittany was on my softball team and every time there was a game I was hoping that Stephanie would be there so I could talk to her. Brittany and Stephanie were the sweetest girls I have ever met in my life.

S.O.S - p.s I will always remember Stephanie. I will miss her. And love her very much!

Letter from potential friend that will never be

I never really new Stephanie but, my friends Cache' and Jessica did and that day that they found out that she died I couldn't stop crying. Cuz they were crying and now that I look back on that day,  I wish now more than ever that she wouldn't have died. I really would've wanted to meet her.

Heather Wells

Drunk driving deaths affect more people than you know, 1

Hey my name is Katie.  I am from Twin City, Ga.  I just wanted to write and to say sorry about Stephanie.  I really didn't know Stephanie, but I had heard of her from some friends of mine by the name of Amanda Cone & Amanda Clayton.  I always heard from them that the time they were around her they had so much fun and she would make you laugh about anything.  Amanda came to school saying that Stephanie has passed away and I couldn't believe it, but I knew they would not lie about death.  Cause it was like a few days before she had passed away they were talking about going somewhere with her cause Amanda Cone sees Jamey Coaker and Jamey Cadell was good friends, but they had never came up with any plans.  I would have written earlier, but I just heard of the web site today and I went to it and it was very nice.  I just had to go through some things here awhile back cause my cousin died from a drunk driver except she was driving and the driver that was on the other side of the rode hit her.  Anyways, I just wish that I had met Stephanie cause as much as Amanda would talk about her I would have loved to met her. Amanda said she was only around her just a few times not that much & wanted to get to know her better.  I am so sorry.

Sincerely, Katie

Drunk driving deaths affect more people than you know, 2

I really didn't know Stephanie but I did know some things about her. Some of my friends were hers as well even though I had never met her personally. The day we all found out she died I couldn't stop myself from crying. For nearly a month people have repeated the story over and over again. I just couldn't take it. One of the boys that was in the vehicle with her was at movie gallery only 1 night after her death. When I recognized him I got really angry because he was in there with 3 other people laughing and cutting up. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, he disgusted me. Not naming any names, but a numerous amount of my friends needed support after this accident and I was there. But wouldn't you think that the ones who were in the truck with her should be really upset too? I'm not saying all of them weren't but I'm sure that one is ashamed of himself! As 4 Stephanie, I have heard many good things about her and I wish she was still here to grow up and have the life she deserves. We will always miss her!

Love always, Jodi Fitzpatrick

A new friend (Amanda Cone) remembers Stephanie

Hi. My name is Amanda Cone. I did not know Stephanie all that well, but what I did know of her are all good things. Well I met Stephanie through my BEST FRIEND Amanda Clayton. I had first talked to her on Amanda's cell phone one night when they were at the "park". She was very sweet to me and said that she wanted to meet me. Well at first I thought she did not like me because I am dating Jamey Coker, but Stephanie really did not have any enemies, and I did not want to be her enemy. Well one night when I was with Amanda, she called and told us to come over. We did and she was very cool. She made me laugh and was acten crazy like she had know me for a while. I ended up spending the night with her and we became friends. Gosh I was glad that I had made a new "girlfriend" from Metter because that's were I like to hang out. After that we had talked and made plans to do other things together. I am sorry to say that those plans did not follow through because of the terrible tragedy that happened. Stephanie was awesome and had a great personality. From the short time that I knew her, I felt like I had know her for months! She also loved a very special boy, Jamie, that is also one of my good friends. I know that he loved her too (who wouldn't). I just can't believe what happened to her. I never really worried about riding with people who have been drinking, but now I do and I encourage people NOT to drink and drive. This is serious, and innocent people's lives can be taken in a heartbeat, just like Stephanie. Mrs. Susie, you had a very amazing daughter that will never be forgotten. She had God's loving heart and helping hands for anyone. She will be greatly missed.

Love Always,  Amanda Cone

Thoughts and Stories about Steph by Jessica Forie

Hello my name is Jessica Florie. Stephanie and I were fairly good friends, we would talk all the time at school! I remember this time that I was having a problem understanding how the teacher did something at school, and Stephanie sat right in front of me so I asked if she could help me out a little. Sure enough she did, and on the next test I got an A+!! I thanked her so much and will always have that in my mind as one of the things that Steph did. My point in writing this was to show that no matter what the problem was BIG or SMALL Stephanie was almost always there to try and help you out. Only if there was a million more people in this world with the same attitude as she had!!!! I remember last year in 8th grade when Stephanie talked about how much she wanted to be a Cheerleader at Metter High School. She talked about it all the time, and I encouraged her on that a lot. I would probably never have the guts to get up there and be a cheerleader, but at least some do. When we had Pep Rallies and Football games I loved to go and watch Stephanie and all the other Cheerleaders. I know how much effort she put into being a cheerleader. She told me that one night she had stayed up until 11:30 practicing her "moves!!!" I never got to meet Stephanie's mother but I have seen her at the Baseball field when "Brit" was playing softball.  I know what she must be feeling about this, because I have lost some very dear people in my life also. I have lost my brother, and uncle, and I know how she and her family feels. But I just wanted to tell everyone about some things that OUR GREAT STEPHANIE DID, and how she influenced all with all that she did, and all of her encouragement that she made sure of to give to everyone!!!!!!! Steph I will always love you and remember you for everything that you did!!!!!!!!!
                                                        Love always,
                                                                Jessica Florie

Missing you Stephanie by Aunt Shannon

The day I heard the terrible news, by Kate Hadden

Hi, I'm Katie Hadden. I didn't know Stephanie very well but I did know her sister, Brittany. When this happened , I didn't find out until the next morning at school when Britt was out. I was like "She is hardly ever out"! That is when I found out. I was shocked. I may not have known her but she was Britt's sister. I didn't get to go to the funeral but I do hope that the Andring family is okay.
 
                                                    Kate Hadden

IN MEMORY OF THE LOVING STEPHANIE

I never got the chance to meet or get to know Stephanie but her sister Brittany is my best friend and I can feel the pain that everyone feels for her. Everyone that I talk to that knew her only has the best things to say, because she was a good friend and person to people that she hardly even knew. I wish there were more people like her in the world.

I miss Stephanie very much! by Ashley Thompson

My 'sister' is gone but never forgotten

It was Friday, November 16th on our lunch break and me and Steff were talking like always.  About a week earlier I had surgery on my wrist and had to have a cast put on my hand.  Steff was signing it and we were talking about what we were going to be doing that night.  I promised her that I would go out to the river with them and she was going to ride home with me.  Well, I never showed up.  About 6:30 Saturday I received a phone call from Liz.  She said to me "Stephanie's dead."  My heart fell and all I could say to her was "Liz, don't be playing like that.  What's going on Liz?  Talk to me."  When I realized that my "sister" was gone, my whole life fell apart.  The last words Steff said to me were "I love you DIXON."  The only thing I did was walk off and laugh.  I never told her that I loved her and now I live with that.  I feel so guilty for letting her down.  Now all I think about when I drive by the place where she was killed is that...If only I did what I promised her, then she would still be here for me to laugh with.  I miss her so much and not a day goes by that I don't think about her.
 
      Susie, Liz, and Britt-Britt,  I Love Ya'll and Miss You So Much

To the new found Angel....  by Angela Lee

Remember Stephanie....  by Elaina

Stephanie, hey gurlie! I don't even know where to start...I remember the first time I had ever saw you, I was at Dee's and me and Taylor were there and all we wanted you to do was to teach us how to dance like you did! but we never seemed to get it! then you happened to have a party and won the dancing contest and all I remember saying that night was "god, that gurl can dance" It just so happened you were in my 7'th period class in 8'th grade! Mrs. Davis would always let us work with partners, and me and you would always work together (like drawing that dumb little turkey) ha-ha! We never seemed to make it look just right., but at least we did pass! Then we went to BIG high school! We all were scared to death, we had our homeroom together! I remember it was you, me, Mandi, Michelle, and Megan, we always used to trip out on everyone and gossip the most! and also in 6'th period, you would always come in with the biggest smile on your face and if I was having a bad day, you would always be the one who changed it for me! I remember the last thing you said to me.. you walked in ms. Beasley's class and I wasn't in the best mood and u asked me what the matter was and I told you (me and Dillon had broken up) and you said "its ok Lainer you'll get him back, don't worry" you were always the one who told that little voice, inside all of us, I could do something! gurl it just ain't right without you here! I don't recall us ever fussin', actually I don't recall you ever fussing with anyone! You was the type that could get along with everyone! I know this years cheerleading, we won't see you cheering, but I know that you're cheering for us in a much better place! You're a one of a kind friend and I'll never forget you! I love you gurl! and like you would always tell me "gurl you better be good!"
                                         love ya always, Elaina

Missing her friend Steffie.... by Megan Allen

Poem about Stephanie published in MHS yearbook

Going to Heaven:

When I'm gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You mustn't tie yourselves to me with tears, Just be happy that we had some years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me happiness. I thank you for the love each have shown, but now its time I traveled alone. Do grieve a while for me if you must then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for awhile that we must part, so keep our memories within your hearts. I won't be far away, for lie goes on. So if you need me call and I will come. Though you can't see  or touch me I'll be near, and if you listen with your heart you will hear. All of my love aground so soft and dear and then when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and say, "Welcome home"

.....Never, never be afraid to die, for I am waiting for you in the sky!!!!

Sharing some thoughts about Steph.. by Tessa Renae Male

Cheerleading stories by Cortney Johns

I came to know Stephanie through cheerleading.  She was on the JV squad and I the Varsity squad.  But after football season when basketball began, and the "Competition cheerleaders"  did their thing, Stephanie and I were on the "Basketball Squad" together.  :)  
 
I remember having to practice in the commons area at school facing that wall and looking at ourselves in the window reflection.  Hannah and I would 'try' to teach the other girls the cheers but we didn't always know what we were doing and Stephanie would always try to help us get it straight.  I think we all we pretty clueless! :)  We had some good times in the commons area, laughing and joking around most of the time and not practicing.
 
We spent most of our time talking about how we were so much better than the other squad.  (You see we joked about us being the "leftover cheerleaders" since most of the girls were on the competition squad) But sadly Stephanie didn't get to cheer with us at the games, but we all knew she was there with us. 
 
I have a bracelet that our coach gave us for an early x-mas present for her funeral, a silver bangle with a cheer charm on it,  Stephanie got hers also.  I call it my Stephanie Bracelet, I think of her when I wear it, and I feel she is watching over me.  
 
She was such a sweet girl and I miss her so much!  I hope others will see how much drinking and driving can hurt!  
 
                                    Love you girl! ....Cortney Johns

Cortney's location in the pics is back row far right, black shirt/tiger ears
Stephanie is located back row, second from the left

Stephanie's Kitten story as remembered by Mom

I was thinking about about my precious baby the other night, and started thinking about all the funny things she had done. Stephanie was a great kid with a huge heart. I remember one time she came home from a friends house and was crying because her friend was going to be moving and they had to get rid of their cats, Steffie had a thing for cats, they were her favorite animal. Well I broke down and gave in and told her she could take one of the cats but not both. Well of course she came home the next day with 2 cats, they were beautiful cats but I just didn't want both of them. She cried and threw a fit so I let her have them both until she could find a good home for one of them. The one she really wanted was a Siamese cat, they were supposed to be both males. We never let them out but yet they kept getting fatter and fatter. Her grandparents came down from Washington and wanted to go see her room, we walk into her room and right before our eyes lay 5 little kittens. Steffie's cat which was supposed to be a male had given birth to 5 little kittens. The following day the other cat produced 3 kittens. I thought I'd go crazy, we had 10 cats in my house! Stephanie thought she could keep all 10 of them. We ended up keeping 1 kitten and gave the rest away. This might not mean anything to anybody else but I have to laugh when I think back on it. I miss the way she used to go around singing and dancing all the time. It was never dull with our sweet Stephanie around. Stephanie was so full of life! She had this scratchy, kinda squeally laugh about her. What I would give just to hear her laugh one more time....I sure miss my baby!

Susie (Stephanie's mom)

A special note from Stephanie's mom Susie

This is to everyone that knew my little girl Stephanie. I want to thank each and every one of you for being her friend. My heart goes out to any parent that has had to go thru what I'm going through right now. I miss her so much. I wish I could turn back time, I would gladly switch places with my daughter, but I can't and I realize that. Stephanie has some great friends and I just wanted to say THANKS to all of you for helping me through this horrible ordeal. I love getting all of your letters and emails. If anyone would like to share their memories about my daughter please feel free to do so on here. I would appreciate it very much. I am here off and on all day 7 days a week. Please always remember..... NEVER GET IN A VEHICLE WITH ANYONE THAT HAS HAD ANY ALCOHOL NOT EVEN ONE SWALLOW.... YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT CAN HAPPEN.... DRINKING AND DRIVING KILLS.... ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT PLEASE..... Love Susie