Deaconess Edna Lee Stanley

Life’s Reflection of

Edna L. Stanley

  Deaconess Edna Lee Stanley began her life on September 18, 1933, in Campti, Louisiana. She was born the sixth child of eight—two boys and six girls to Robert and Henrietta (Morgan) Taylor.

Edna is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Eulos Stanley; both parents; brothers, Emerson Taylor and Amos Taylor; and sisters, Vernella Taylor, Louise Reed, Willie Mae Courtney and Ruth Morris.

Edna attended Central High School in Natchitoches, Louisiana, graduating with the Class of 1953, and accepted Christ at an early age. She faithfully served as a dedicated Servant Leader for more than 35 years, fulfilling roles as a Deaconess and active member of the Bereavement Ministry and the Ruth Circle.

Edna met and later married Eulos Stanley on December 28, 1952, and moved to Kansas City, KS in 1953. To this union, five children were born. They became members of King Solomon Baptist Church and later attended Salem Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as a Deaconess until her health failed. Edna had several professions. She worked as an accountant, a maintenance worker for Southwestern Bell, and housekeeper/nanny for the Hellings family. She also worked at Katz Drug Store. She was a great household organizer and was affectionately known as the “Lamp Lady” for her extravagant house of lights. Edna was a magnificent seamstress, who initially sewed clothes by hand, until her daughter Diana taught her how to use a sewing machine. She skillfully sewed cloth and leather on furniture by hand and was a self-taught interior designer, a true reflection of her creativity and attention to detail. She often designed and furnished the homes of several of her children and grandchildren. Edna loved to travel. She organized her final family gathering on October 10, 2025, in Burleson, Texas, with her last living sister, Corine Davis. More than 75 attendees—including her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family, and friends—were present.

Edna leaves behind her children: daughters, Dr. Diana E. Clemons -Kansas City, MO, Eula Denise “Neicy” Stanley - Atlanta, GA, and Patricia Ann Stanley-Robinson (Thomas) - Kansas City, MO; sons, Elroy Stanley (Carmen, significant other) – Kansas City, KS and Leo Patrick Stanley (Tomasha) – Burleson, TX; one sister, Corine Davis (Shreveport, LA); seventeen grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her goddaughters: Sheila Y. Lee (godson, Wesley J. Lee, Sr.) of Piper, Kansas; Deborah Ellsberry and Brenda Spencer of Kansas City, Kansas; and great goddaughter, LaRita “Pudnee” Harrington of Houston, Texas, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

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