Willie Stafford

Willie Joyce Stafford was born on October 1, 1928, in Dolthan, Alabama to her parents, William Simpson and Eva Douglas Simpson. She was the ninth child born in the family. She was raised surrounded by her brothers, Charlie, Benjamin, Ezra, John Henry, William, and her sisters, Eva and Annie Lee. Being the last born in the family, she was spoiled and a "mamma and papa's little girl." She was sweet and soft spoken. She always had a listening ear for others. Willie received her formal education in Dolthan. She graduated from Dolthan High School in 1946. While in school, she was a member of the girl's basketball team as well as the track team. She often talked about the awards and trophies she received while playing sports. On February 14, 1950, Willie united in holy matrimony to Robert Lewis Stafford in Denver, Colorado. They first met when they both lived in Alabama. To this union, Curtis, Verlina, Bruce, Billy, Sabrina, Theresa, and Robert, Jr. were born. She was a wife and mother whose pride and joy was found in the care and nurture of her family. She is remembered as being soft spoken but her words were honored by her family with respect. Robert preceded her in death in 2001. Willie's sixteen grandchildren were an additional source of joy and pride in her life. They affectionately called her "Big Gram" and fondly remember her as being soft spoken, but always giving them good advice. She always told them about her life and experiences and to "treat people the same way that they want to be treated." She was later blessed to have thirty-one great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, who remember her cooking and spending quality time with each of them. By profession, Willie was employed by the Denver Public Schools. She worked in the cafeteria in both East High School and Cole Elementary Schools. She was a hard worker, who was often called the "best cook in town." She retired after many years of faithful and dedicated service. A woman of faith and belief in the Lord, Willie joined Zion Baptist Church under pastoral leadership of the late Reverend Wendell T. Liggins. She truly loved her church. She became a member of Deaconess Ministry. She served faithfully until her health began to decline. She has been a member of the church for over 54 years. She loved being a 50 plus member of the church and how the church honored them each year during the annual church anniversary. Deaconess Willie Stafford was a fun loving woman who enjoyed life and those she encircled. In her free time, she loved reading the Bible. Her favorite television program was "Wheel of Fortune" and a favorite pastime would be conversing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of her favorite foods was catfish. Her closest friends, Lola Fourteen, Tranny Carr, and Myrtle Carter shared many happy and memorable moments together. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful woman, who always had a listening ear. To know her was to love her. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Stafford, Sr.; a son, Bruce Stafford; two daughters, Verlina Bookhardt and Theresa Stafford; her parents and all her brothers and sisters. Deaconess Willie Joyce Stafford departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on April 27, 2013, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include, three sons, Curtis Simpson, Vancouver, WA, Billy R. Stafford, Denver and Robert L. (Tina Marie) Stafford, Aurora; one daughter, Sabrina (Walter) Renfroe, Aurora; 16 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funeral Cremation Receptions - 6601 East Colfax Ave, Denver, CO
Visitation: 5/5/2013 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Ave, Denver, CO
Service: 5/6/2013 at 11:00 AM - Zion Baptist Church - 933 East 24th Ave, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 5/6/2013 - Fort Logan Cemetery - Denver, CO