CHRISTA NOEL STEPHENS

Christa Noel Stephens, 49, of Republic passed away on May 3, 2025. She was born in Charleston, S.C. on Nov. 26, 1975; the daughter of Richard Stephens and Deborah (Perry) Stephens.
A proud 1993 graduate of Hillcrest High School, she lived life boldly and unapologetically. To know her was to encounter a force of nature—ambitious, passionate, and endlessly creative. She launched her entrepreneurial journey at just 22 with her own car detailing business and later followed her heart into the beauty industry. At 32, she enrolled at Paul Mitchell The School Springfield, where she quickly excelled, earning a place in the elite “Phase Two Honors” program. She graduated at the top of her class in 2010, defying convention not only through her artistry but as a left-handed stylist thriving in a right-handed world.
Her talents and passions were as diverse as they were inspiring. She shined in her early years as a barrel racer, gymnast, and cheerleader. Later, she graced the runway at Paris Fashion Week and found peace kayaking alongside her beloved animals.
In 2009, she met Case Howard. Their relationship—rich in laughter, adventure, and mutual respect led to a wedding in Hawaii in 2017. Together, they built a life filled with love, purpose, and shared ambition.
A fierce advocate for women in business, she was deeply committed to lifting others up in the beauty industry. She often returned to her alma mater to mentor students and create opportunities for aspiring stylists. Her expertise in Brazilian Blowouts and Paul Mitchell color earned national recognition, and she was a familiar face in 417 Magazine. As the visionary behind Inviktus Salons, Loxsmith, Get Girl Fridays, and co-owner of The Black Lab Coffee Co. with Case, she left an indelible mark on her community and her craft.
She is survived by her husband, Case Howard and their son, Cameron Howard; her mother, Debby (Paul) Gaston; her father, Rick (Faith) Stephens; her grandmother, Norma Perry; her in-laws, Debby and JC Howard; her stepsister, Tammy Hunter; and stepbrother, Jason East; her soul sister, Jessi (Caleb) Wehrman; along with a cherished circle of salon staff, dear friends, and countless clients who became like family as well as her extended family members and their families.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather and her uncle, Gerald Perry.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, at J.R. Martin Park in Republic.
Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Meadors Funeral Home in Republic.