Elder Calvin Stanley Sr.

Calvin Stanley Sr. was born on October 28, 1927, in Three Creeks, Ark, to the parentage of Willie Stanley and Mae Ella Nunzy However, the young boy Calvin was raised as an only child by his 'overly strict, 'no nonsense' grandmother who was respectfully called 'Ain't Peggy' by most. While attending the Shady Grove Church School in EI Lorado, Ark, Calvin met the lovely Ms. Lucy Mae Richardson and fell in love. They were married in the late 1940's and quickly started making and raising a family, Even in those early days the young Calvin loved to grab a hymn book and sing his gospel songs; whether at church, family gatherings or just sitting with others in the yard. In 1951, life for black people was extremely difficult and challenging in the South. At the age of 24, and with only a few hundred dollars in his pocket, Calvin along with his friends, the Daniels family embarked on their journey North in search of better opportunities and a better life. They had planned to move from Crossett, Ark. to Detroit, MI.: but on their way to Detroit, by God's providential hand made a stop in Milwaukee, WI; and never left. Within a week Calvin had found a job and begin making plans to relocate his wife Lucy and their 3 older children here. Calvin's strongly disciplined upbringing by Grandma 'Ain't Peggy' built within him a strong work ethic which served him well all of his life. His first job up north was at the Walgreens drugstore, along with many other odd jobs until he was hired on at the American Can Company, and worked there for 36 years. TIle Stanley home was one of much hospitality and Christian fellowship. Although Calvin was a consistent hard and discipline worker, Lucy Mae was an excellent cook and always had an open door to visitors. Many people would come to the house every holiday with the express purpose of eating from their well-stocked table. Their house became a regular stop for many who came from the South up North needing a place of temporary residence; and God always provided! Who can forget the first home that he and his wife owned in the 2600 block of North 9th Street; or when he and his wife Lucy bought and 'moved on up to their beautiful mansion on the East side (one block east of Sherman, that is). These were monumental accomplishments for a young man with a young family, who came to a new city where he knew no one and possessed hardly anything but a good work ethic and a strong faith. No wonder he was so Thankful to God and danced so much. Calvin Stanley was and has alwavs been a devout and dedicated "Church-man", Upon arriving to this city, aside from securing employment he had to find a good church to worship and fellowship. He joined the Metropolitan M.B.C. and served as a deacon there. As his hunger for God continued to grow he later joined the Morris Temple COGIC located off 7th and Vliet, (later called Morris Memorial). It was here that he established lifelong friendships and a brotherhood in Christ, including Elders Charles and James Williams, Pastor Jonathan Saffold, Earl Saffold, the other Saffold brothers, and so many more! There he along with Elder James Williams organized the first male chorus where they also served as lead soloists. As a deacon there he served in many roles including janitorial and caretaker. Through the transitions of life and changes in ministry Elder Stanley joined the Christ Tabernacle COGIC under the leadership of Elder James Bufford, Sr. where he served faithfully in numerous capacities; including church treasurer and custodial manager. He also participated in ministering and sharing his gift of music at Nursing Homes. He truly believed in Ecclesiastes 9:10 which states, "Whatsoever your hands find to do, do it with all your heart and might." Elder Stanley ended his spiritual journey at the Ebenezer COGIC under the faithful leadership of Pastor Jonathan Saffold. Even at the tender age of 90+ years old, you would still find him working in the Church's Food Pantry or making sure the church was clean and the janitorial work was done, and done correctly. In October 1975, Calvin went through one of his most difficult rimes of his life; he lost the love of his life, Lucy Stanley. Though he faced many challenges in this season of life, he never lost his Faith in God; he never lost his Song; he never lost his Praise; and he certainly never lost his DANCE. He could stir a church with his singing, and his singing was usually always accompanied by him dancing in the Spirit. After a short time Calvin married Ms. Jacqueline, who was also recently widowed. Together they accepted the challenge of a new marriage and calling for, nurturing and raising Elder Stanley's Granddaughter Iris Monique. Both of them invested much love, care and time into her life. She returned the love by staying by her granddads side throughout the years and making sure business was handled when Elder Stanley was sick. Elder Stanley found purpose in his ministry, church work, his employment, his family and friends. He believed that staying active and business was a sign of life and living. He didn't stop working until he was 89 years old and didn't want to stop then. He loved cooking and would call his kitchen "Stanley's Snack Bar" often trying his special concoctions and variations of different recipes, especially coffee cakes. Elder Calvin Stanley will be remembered as a Great Man of God, a husband, a father, Grandfather, Godfather, Foster Father and Friend. On a somber Thursday evening, September 27th 2018, surrounded by his family and friends, Elder Calvin Stanley Sr. departed this earth to be with His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Stanley and Mae Ella Nunzy; the loves of his life; Jacqueline Stanley and Lucy Mae Stanley, a son, Lee Vester; a daughter, Jurine Edilby and a Grandson Stephen Stanley. He leaves to cherish his memory his sons; Calvin Stanley Jr. (Ann), Claude Stanley (Jacqueline), Vessie Lee Stanley Sr. His Beloved Grandchildren, Iris Monique Blakley (Illiya), Omima, Adham, Tonya, Cheryl, Brian, Klaudale, Claude Jr. Omega, Keith, Nicole, Greggory, Cassanova, Lotora, Lynette, Lee, and a host of other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family would like to give special thanks to the following persons tor their continued support: Zilber Hospice, Denise Wash, Chaney Roby, Tytanya Buxton, Debbie O'Neal, Jamera Ellis, James Bufford Jr. Mother McDonald, Mother Cash, Mother Blackwell, Terry Roby Gerald Saffold and so many others.

Elder Calvin Stanley Sr.

October 28, 1927 - September 27, 2018