Willie Elma Stancell

Ms. Willie E. Stancell, 80, of Conway, North Carolina, departed this earthly life on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, North Carolina.

​Willie was born August 17, 1937, in Northampton County, North Carolina, to the parentage of the late Eddie Stancell and Otelia Deloatch. Miss Willie united in fellowship with St. John AME Church in Conway where she was a faithful member until her demise. She served there in many capacities, president of the ushers ministry, member of the Women's Society, the Pastoral Care Committee and the Hospitality Committee. She was well known for her cooking skills, especially chicken pot pie, potato jacks and delicious cakes. She loved to feed people a watch them enjoy her food.

She attended Willis Hare High School. After working several jobs caring for local children and their families, she was employed at Mylecraft MFG in Rich Square, where she retired after 33 years of service. She refused to "sit down and grow old", finding joy in sewing, quilting, cooking, making jellies, jams, preserves and pickles; and even catering ever so often. She canned and froze everything from the garden, leaving her with a full cabinet and freezer. Miss Stancell joined the Roanoke Chowan Quilters, taking her quilting skills to another level. These ladies became true family and friends. They took on the "labor of love" in finishing the quilt she began before her illness.

Our mama, grandma and Big Nana loved life and was loved by everyone whose lives she touched. She was the sweetest woman we ever knew, always having a smile on her face, laughter in her heart and living life to its fullest. To her credit, she taught us to love the Lord and go to church, to forgive people who mistreat us and to take care of each other. Also accredited to her, is the reason we love, laugh, cook and feed everyone that comes to our homes. You will live in our hearts forever and your legacy of love shall continue. We love you Ol'Lady.  

She was preceded in death by one son, Leotis Stancell and one brother, Floyd Deloatch.

​Survivors include:  two children, Derek Stancell (Achenefra) of Greensboro, North Carolina and Ruth Edwards of Durham, North Carolina; five grandchildren and eleven grandchildren.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willie Elma Stancell, please visit our floral store.