Lisa Dale Stanford

Dr. Lisa Dale Stanford, age 64, of Big Canoe, Georgia passed away Saturday, August 10, 2024, at her home. She was born April 2, 1960, to Jack and Jody Stanford in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She received her high school diploma from Hutchison School in Memphis, Tennessee. She went on to get an undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, a Master's Degree from Memphis State University and a Doctoral Degree from the University of Georgia.

Lisa is predeceased by paternal grandparents, Buck and Nina Stanford of Spartanburg, South Carolina; maternal grandparents, Dick and Mary Gladys Stockdale of Chattanooga, Tennessee; father, Jack Stanford of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and many beloved fur babies.

She is survived by her mother, Jody Stanford of Chattanooga, Tennessee; her husband, James Bailey of Big Canoe, Georgia; her sister, Susan Beth Purifico and brother-in-law Bob Purifico of Marlton, New Jersey.

Lisa and her family were dedicated members of the First Baptist Churches of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and of Memphis, Tennessee. It was in her active participation in the First Baptist Memphis youth group that she met James Bailey. After several years of dating as teens, life's choices intervened; yet, they reunited as adults 33 years later and were married in October 2011.

Lisa's interests and pursuits outside of work were varied, complex and lifelong. She was competitive, striving to win, even if it was bettering her own last record or achievement. She began horseback riding as a child, trained horses, competed in equestrian events and recently rode the trails at Bent Tree, Georgia. She was an avid golfer who reveled in winning the longest drive and always enjoyed trying to conquer the course at Big Canoe.

Participation in sports, both individual and team-oriented, were not only part of her afterschool activities, but also her afterwork hours. She achieved her black belt in taekwondo, once flipping her 230-pound instructor to the mat. In her most recent "new sport" she played goalie in pads and a sledge for the first half of a fundraiser for UPMC Spina Bifida Clinic in which staff members competed against an organized, trained team of players with spina bifida. The opposing team attempted several shots but did not score a goal against Dr. Stanford.

Lisa was equally at home in the water, on the land or in the gym. Whether kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, rock climbing or playing a round of golf; whether high jumping, playing softball, soccer, volleyball or basketball; whether running in the New York City Marathon, or walking a half-marathon with a cancer-stricken body not yet diagnosed, Lisa played sports throughout her life through injuries and challenges with self-motivation, determination and an unstoppable will.

Finding Zen in tending plants in the house or in the yard, reading, practicing yoga or meditation, mindful intentions were always forefront.

Dr. Stanford served 30 years in four major healthcare systems: Cleveland Clinic, University of Illinois Chicago, Akron Children's Hospital and her most recent appointment as neuropsychologist, professor and Vice-Chair of neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She also was a member of the University of Pittsburgh teaching faculty. She was a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist and a Board Certified Subspecialist in Pediatric Neuropsychology.

Dr. Stanford's enthusiasm and love of life as described above was mirrored in her passion and love of her profession. She was known for her effervescent personality, wit, dedication to the profession and commitment to her fellows and students. Above all, what Dr. Stanford valued most was serving her patients; teaching too, by example. How this affected the lives of those whom she trained leaves a legacy who will carry on her wisdom.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hutchison School. www.hutchisonschool.org

Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.