Savana Crystal Stephens, age 16 of Waterford, died Monday, July 11, 2011, in an automobile accident. Born in Gainesville, FL on July 5, 1995, she is the daughter of Steve Stephens of Florida and Tina Stephens of Waterford.

Stephens, Savana CrystalSavana would have started her junior year this fall at Fort LeBoeuf High School where she worked hard academically as an honor student and was enrolled in AP classes. Her long range goal was to enter nursing school and earn a nursing degree. Also at Fort LeBoeuf, she played on the Girls’ Volleyball and Track teams.

From the age of 4, Savana showed an interest in dancing and was talented in all kinds of dance. Although she loved ballet, many will always remember her as a “country girl” who loved to put on her cowboy boots. Savana was the kind of girl who lit up a room, making friends and bonding with everyone she met. She especially loved children. Savana also had an artistic eye, showing talent as a budding photographer.

Savana was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, John Kaufman, and her uncle Michael Kaufman.

In addition to her parents, Savana is survived by her maternal grandmother, Geraldine Kaufman of Cambridge Springs; her paternal grandmother, Joyce Humes of Illinois; her aunts and uncles: Carol Allison and her husband, George, of Verona, PA; Jake Kaufman and his wife, Donna, of Edinboro; Donna Coburn and her husband, Rick, of Cambridge Springs; Charlie Kaufman and his wife, Ruth, of Mars, PA; Bob Kaufman and his wife, Sherri, of Santa Clarita, CA; Carla Gray and her husband, Mike, of Albion; Lisa Stephens and her husband, Ken, of Erie; Scott Humes and his wife, Shellie, of Charlotte, NC; and Misty Valestin and her husband, Phil, of IL; as well as many cousins.

Savana’s boyfriend, David Blewett, also died in the car accident on Monday, and calling hours will be observed for both of them on Thursday from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford. A funeral service will be held for Savana on Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Jack Risner of Erie First Assembly of God officiating. Interment will follow at Waterford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.