Stephanie Amato Brickhouse passed away peacefully October 15, 2021 at her Virginia Beach home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 27, 1936 in Norfolk, VA., daughter of Judge Savory E.  Amato and Elizabeth Winder Amato.

Stephanie was a graduate of Maury High School, where she was a cheerleader. She was an avid Carolina fan, and married a Tar Heel quarterback, the father of her three children.

Her beautiful and contagious smile drew people to her; she never met a stranger. The twinkle in Stephanie’s eye expressed her enthusiasm for every day life. She exuberantly shared her joy with everyone. 

Stephanie’s effortless talent for decorating spilled into hosting parties, bridge club gatherings and small group dinners. Her crab cakes, chicken salad and deviled eggs were legendary and requested by many family and friends. Her passions were sailing, scuba diving and traveling around the world. Stephanie adored flowers, being a member of local garden clubs, and delighted in creating arrangements for church, family and dear friends. Over the last 25 years, one of her favorite pastimes was traveling with the Larchmont Girls, a childhood group of girlfriends who’d known each other since first grade.

Her faith in God was the foundation of her being. Study of God’s Word, included small group, couples’ and women’s Bible study and weekly church-led studies. Tabernacle UMC afforded many opportunities for sharing her joyous faith, such as handwritten notes of encouragement and support, and other ministries.

Romance with Gilbert J. Brickhouse began aboard a ferry boat traveling between Currituck and Knotts Island, N.C. For 27 years the love they shared, was fast and true, enjoying family, decoy shows, fishing and visits to Ocracoke Island together. 

Stephanie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Stephen E. Amato and Edward W. Amato, and son William A. Brickhouse.

Stephanie is survived by her husband, Gilbert J. Brickhouse, originally from Grandy, N.C., and children Gwynne Hathaway Elliott (George) of Midlothian, VA., Curtis H. Hathaway Jr. (Ellen) of Raleigh, N.C., Blair E. Hathaway of Crozet, VA., and Christina M. Brickhouse of Chesapeake, VA.

Grandchildren are Anne Clark Hathaway Lau (Eric), Brooke Hathaway Horan (Zack), Elizabeth A. Elliott, Alexander S. Hathaway, Marlon C. Johnson, and Christina’s children, Trent, Caylie and Savanna.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 29, 2021 at Tabernacle United Methodist Church 1265 Sandbridge Road Virginia Beach, VA. 23456. In lieu of flowers please donate to her church, www.tabernaclevb.org