Shirley M. Stamps' Obituary
Shirley Stamps, lovingly known as “Granny” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on June 2, 1940. She was the daughter of Marie and Lawrence Schofield. Shirley moved to Menlo Park, California to live with family friends Louise and Roosevelt Culver who loved her as their own.She graduated from Menlo Atherton High School in 1958. On January 11, 1959, Shirley married Melvin Stamps. Five children were born to this union, Cheryl, Saundra, Sherry, Keith and Shirmel.In 1967, Shirley dedicated her life to serving Jehovah and remained faithful right to the end. Unfortunately, on August 7, 2017, she loss her battle with cancer.After 10 years of dedicated service, Shirley retired from Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. For many years, she enjoyed participating in the full-time ministry teaching others Bible truths and about Jehovah God’s wonderful promises for the future. Shirley enjoyed attending international conventions of Jehovah Witnesses where she experienced the warm love of her fellow Christian brothers and sisters in Poland, Switzerland, New Zealand, Fiji and Atlanta, GA. She attended the North Palo Alto congregation located in Palo Alto, CA and while visiting her daughter Shirmel in Atlanta, GA, she attended the South Lawrenceville congregation. She loved participating in all aspects of the ministry, but most recently public cart witnessing and letter writing. Shirley volunteered her time and assisted with cleaning convention sites and serving food to new pioneers who attended Pioneer school.She had a passion for people and was always willing to discreetly help others. Shirley was a private person, therefore, she rarely mentioned her illness and never complained. She lived a balance life and was a skilled bowler who won several trophies and enjoyed playing and winning most family domino games. She loved to take time to smell the roses and her cell phone provides evidence of this as there are several photos of flowers and plants taken while out in the ministry. Shirley developed a desire to participate in annual 5K walks and most recently went on long walks with Deborah Bailey a few times a week. She really enjoyed bargain shopping and her children to get the best quality for their dollar.Shirley was one of 13 siblings. Her beloved brother, Lawrence Walter Schofield and grandson, Martin Lee Simon, Jr. predeceased her, as did her brothers, Herman Baptiste, Leonard Baptiste, Robert Baptiste, Rudolph Baptiste, Alfred Baptiste, James Ridgeway and sister Glenda Baptiste. She is survived by siblings: Walter Lawrence Baptiste, Cecila Baptiste, Gloria Baptiste, Terry Ridgeway and Carol Ridgeway.Shirley helped raised six children and is survived by Saundra Stamps, Keith Stamps, Shirmel Deckard, Lawrence Schofield, Rose Jamison, Eugene Schofield and Donald Schofield. 12 grandchildren: Mikel Roy-Stamps, Anthony Stamps, Keith Stamps, Jr., Durell Lewis, Darrian Lewis, Courtney Deckard, Amanda Schofield, Jermaine Schofield, Tiffany Schofield, Tyrel Smith, Andrew Simmons and Gianni Jackson. 17 Great-Grandchildren: Mekhi Blackmon, Markhi Simon, Malakhi Simon, Mikel Roy-Stamps, Jr. Macai Roy-Stamps, Maximo Roy-Barros Stamps, Xurion Lewis, Ja’Kirrah Mix, Da’Corriah Sayles, Keyontae Sayles, NaShiya Sayles, Trevor Sayles, Sofia Smith, Jade Simmons, Mason Simmons, Daniel Colossio and Gia Jackson. Siblings: Walter Schofield, Cecilia Baptiste, Terry Ridgeway and Carol Ridgeway. Uncle: Frank Reynaud. Beloved cousin, Alice Farrar, Sister-in-laws: Marjorie Wilson (Joseph), Dolores McLeod (Al), Angela Cooper (Norman), Charlene Stamps, Deborah Jeffrion (William) and Marlene Miller.We thank Jehovah for the gift of memory, for through it, when we miss Shirley most we can reflect on the fond memories we once shared with her, and the wonderful memories we look forward to sharing with her in paradise.
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