Mabel Stafford

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee.

The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee.

The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Numbers 6: 24-26

Mabel was born to the late Benjamin and Georgianne Gibson on May 07, 1919, in DeLand, FL. She attended Volusia County Public Schools. She met the love of her life, the late Sam Stafford Jr. and married him in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1950. To this union they had nine children. She answered the call of her master on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 4:28 a.m., surrounded by her loving family.

Mother Stafford gave her life to the Lord at an early age in St. Annis Primitive Baptist Church, where she served faithfully until her death. She served on the Mother’s Board, Matron Society and Women’s Auxiliary. She was an active member of the Noon Day Prayer and Queen of the South Chapter 141 of Eastern Star.

She was a home maker that opened her heart, not only to her family, but to the community that loved and respected her. She was preceded in death by her late husband Sam Stafford, her children; Elizabeth (Stafford) Mainor, Monet Beveritt, and Dirk Stafford, as well as her brothers, Joseph, Ernest, and Wardell Gibson.

She is survived by her children; James Holmes (Barbara), Bernard Stafford, Patricia James (Hilton), Alisa Stafford, Sharon Stafford, Jerry Stafford (Joyce), and Vernese Johnson (Willie), Alonzo Stafford, Monica Banks (Patrick), Shaqweeta Stafford, and Elijah Stafford; her brother Amos Gibson (Juanita), as well as over six generations of grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

John 14: 1-4