Lora E. Stafford

MORGANTON - Lora Ellis Stafford, 62, of Laurel Street in Valdese, died Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at Valdese Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born Aug. 19, 1946, in Mitchell County and was a daughter of Mildred Young Ellis of Valdese and the late Rev. Frank S. Ellis. Lora was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church and a devoted Christian. She was a loving wife, mother and daughter. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Joe R. Stafford of the home; a son, Tim R. Stafford and wife, Edith, of Rutherford College; a brother, Larry G. Ellis of Hickory; a sister, Linda Briggs and husband, Daniel, of Hickory; nieces and nephews, Sharon Bumgarner and husband, Richard, and Eric Briggs, all of Hickory, and Billy Joe Stafford and wife, Ethel, of Spruce Pine; a special friend, Kellie Stroup of Morganton; and Lora's canine friends, Bruno and Coco. In addition to her father, Lora was preceded in death by a great-niece, Kayla Briggs. The funeral service will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2009, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home, with the Revs. Patrick Mourglea and Eric Grindstaff officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2009, at the funeral home. A private graveside service will be held in Burke Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Lakeview Baptist Church, 4744 Lakeview Acres Road, Valdese, N.C. 28690 or Gideons International, P.O. Box 678, Morganton, N.C. 28680-0678, c/o Memorial Bible Chairman. Condolences may be made online at www.sossomanfuneralservice.com.