Eva Caroline Stepp

On January 25, 2025, Eva Caroline Stepp ran into the arms of Jesus, her healing made complete. Caroline was fearfully and wonderfully made by her Savior to bring light into a dark world. This light shone through her sparkling eyes and bright, beautiful smile. Caroline was the first person in the world to be diagnosed with her genetic condition and the research she provided is assisting other families around the world.

Caroline, age 12, was born April 3, 2012, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the daughter of Rev. Dr. Bryan Stepp and Jodi Arrowood Stepp.

Affectionately known as Sissy by her beloved brother, parents, and close family and friends, Caroline brought joy and happiness to all who knew her. She was especially loved by her Carlisle Wesleyan Church family. Caroline loved her brother, singing, her friends, attention, music, and Disney World, but she found happiness most of all in the simplest of things. Laughter, giggles, and smiles were never far away when you were with Caroline. Throughout the years, Caroline lived life to the fullest and did not allow her differences to keep her from experiences. At various times she played Miracle League, participated in pageants, participated in church productions, went swimming, roller skated in her chair, bowled, enjoyed girl time with her besties, played in the snow, enjoyed being a beach bum, enjoyed cruising on the lake, and so much more. She even once rode on a UTV around a mountain. Nothing held her back.

Caroline was brave and a fighter. She overcame many battles and smiled while enduring many trials. Those trials are over as Jesus came and told her "Well done thy good and faithful servant…you have fought the good fight; you have finished the race." Isaiah tells us that when Jesus comes, "The eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, then the lame will leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy." Jesus came for Caroline and with her new body she can see, hear, leap, and talk for the first time. Caroline never uttered a single word, but she told people about God's mercy, grace, and love with her infectious smile and brave spirit.

Left to cherish her memory, in addition to her parents, are brother, Benjamin Stepp; loving grandparents, Rev. Michael and Joyce Stepp and Joseph and Donna Arrowood; many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who are like family; special caregiver, Judy Glassing; and step-grandfather, Ronald Thomas. She was predeceased by her grandmother, Mary Dabbs Thomas.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Eggers Funeral Home of Boiling Springs.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Northbrook Baptist Church of Boiling Springs conducted by Rev. Tim Jones. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with words of comfort provided by Caroline's grandfather, Rev. Michael Stepp.

Pallbearers will be Charles Calvert, Charles Bradley, Michael Baker, Watson Armstrong, Philip Montgomery, and Jacob Landon.
The family would like to honor the love shown by caregivers, educators, and medical professionals over the years by having a special place of honor in the middle left of the sanctuary. Their work either brought great enrichment to Caroline's life or allowed her to be with us longer than anyone thought possible. Their efforts will never be forgotten. The family would also like to extend this place of honor to her best friends and their families for always loving Caroline and treating her as an equal.

Memorials may be made to Greenwood Genetic Center Foundation 112 Gregor Mendel Circle Greenwood, SC 29646. Please be sure to include a note letting them know your gift is in memory of Caroline Stepp.

The family will be at the home.