To know D'Andre "Doc" Stamper is to know joy. So, it's with a heavy heart that we announce his passing. Doc, 26, lived in East Palo Alto, California, and gained Heaven-bound wings on July 28, 2023, after a hit and run.
Doc was born on the day most people were glued to Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II's infamous "Bite Fight" on June 28, 1997. But his parents, Andrea Williams-Johnson and the late Darryl Stamper, Sr., and family were glued to him and celebrated his arrival in Redwood City, California. He was an energetic and keen child who loved entertaining his family with the latest dance moves and basketball-handling skills. It was clear that he was full of life and tremendous potential.
He excitedly attended Beechwood School for middle school and then Eastside College Preparatory School, where he developed into an excellent student and basketball player. Math and computer science were among his strongest subjects, and his coach commemorated him for his camaraderie and sharp 3-point shooting. He also studied abroad in Argentina, which grew his love for international travel. He would later travel to London, Canada, and Jamaica.
In 2015, he graduated from Eastside and attended Colgate University to study literature. As a college student, he participated in the Brothers student group, the Black Student Union, Ultimate Frisbee, and the Sojourners Choir Group. He also was an assistant player for their Women's Basketball Team and the Leader of the Lounge: Open Mic. He dedicated himself to positive, supportive, and expressive communities as he grappled with ideals like social reform, liberation, and transformative poetic expression.
After graduating with a degree in Creative Writing, he activated his first projects as a Modern Artist. With clear intent, he wrote and recorded soulful and uplifting songs and wrote his first poetry book, "From East to West: Emotions," which is 85 percent complete. He desired to publish his book, release his music, travel the world, and build a roller skating rink to bring people together in a safe and fun way.
When he was not working on his art, he assisted as a sales associate at Home Depot and a teacher for young children at the local schools to inspire the next generation.
He spent his free time with his family and friends. His bright, beautiful smile and buoyant personality brought joy and peace to all who knew him. His vibrant dancing, soulful singing runs, and loving spirit led him to be the life of any party! He also enjoyed painting, making beaded jewelry, watching movies, and envisioning a better future for himself and the world.
His most significant and consistent message was: We must heal and grow as a family in Christ.
When we think of Doc, we will remember his joyous life. He will remain in our hearts and minds forever and always.
Doc is survived by his mother Andrea Williams-Johnson, his siblings; Damira Bullock, Kiara Syph and Dania Stamper; his grandmother Versie Williams, his aunts and uncles Karen Blackwell, Sheila Thomas, Mitch Thomas, Delbert Stamper, Derrick Stamper, Michele Stamper-Tuck, his nieces and nephews; Ryan "RJ" Pack Jr., Devin Stamper, Da'kyliah Stamper, Da'Nya Bullock, Dashannon Bullock, Michael Stamper, Talyah Syph, Yasaiyah Syph, Zachariyah Syph, his 1st cousins; Nicole Steward-Crooks, Delbert "DJ" Stamper Jr., Phillip Harris, Ceci Stamper, Derrick "DJ" Stamper, Jr., his 2nd cousins; David Jackson, Janae Peats, Jahkim Hendrix and David Williams.
D'Andre was preceded in death by his father Darryl Stamper,his brother Darryl Stamper Jr., his grandfather David Williams, his uncle David Stamper, his paternal grandmother Willa Bell Stamper, his paternal grandfather Robert Phelps and his great aunt Betty Pass.
A Memorial Service for D'Andre, will be held Friday, August 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. John Missionary Baptist Church at 1050 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, California, 94303.
Relatives are raising money to cover the costs of the funeral and memorial services for D'Andre's Family as his passing was completely unexpected. Please consider donating to GoFundMe in D'Andre's name at, https://gofund.me/1d4cd67f.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com for the Stamper family.
