Mrs. Tanya Sue McDaniel Stephens, age 53, of Smyrna, TN passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026. She was born in Portsmouth, VA to Edgar and Theresa McDaniel. Tanya started out at LaVergne Lake Elementary School as an educational assistant. She continued to work full-time while also pursuing her bachelor’s degree full-time at UT Southern so she could teach. She spent the most recent school year teaching at the fourth-grade level. Tanya was of the Christian faith which reflected in how she treated others. Her friendly spirit was evident when helping her students and people in the community.
Tanya is survived by her husband of 23 years; Eric Stephens; children, Isaiah Stephens and Elizabeth “Sky” Stephens; parents, Edgar and Theresa McDaniel; sister, Melissa McDaniel; and faithful canine companion, Lucy.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Isaiah 1:17 House at https://isaiah117house.com/donate or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate in memorial of Tanya.
A Celebration of Life will be announced.
