Audrey Lee Stailey

Audrey Stailey was born in Tulare, Ca. and resided in the surrounding area for most of her life. She entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 12, 2026, at the age of 84. Audrey was the definition of strength wrapped in kindness. Anyone who knew her would tell you she was often the toughest person in the room â x80 x94 yet she carried the biggest and most compassionate heart. She was a protector, a caregiver, and a steady rock for so many throughout her life. She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 50 years, James V. Stailey. Audrey and James would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on February 21, 2026 â x80 x94 a testament to a lifetime of commitment, loyalty, and love. She is also survived by her sisters, Gloria Walton and Allene Stephens; her brothers, Leroy Hipp and Richard Hipp, her stepson, James â x80 x9cLittle Jimmy,â x80 x9d Stailey and Stepdaughter Tammy Godfrey. Though she could not have children of her own, her love for children was boundless and unwavering. Audrey is preceded in death by her Father and Mother Levi & Cora Hipp; Sisters - Thelma Neal, Dorothy Boswell, Shirley Carter and Brothers - Allen Hipp, Aubrey Hipp, Gordon Hipp, Lloyd Hipp, Kenneth Hipp. Audrey is lovingly remembered by her siblings and by dozens of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives she touched deeply. In her professional life, Audrey served as a nurse assistant and medical caregiver, dedicating herself to caring for others with patience and compassion. Her servantâ x80 x99s heart extended beyond people â x80 x94 she had a special love for animals and spent much of her life caring for dogs, cats, birds, and any â x80 x9cfur babyâ x80 x9d who needed affection. Audrey was a steady presence, a defender of those she loved, and a woman of deep faith. She has now been reunited in heaven with her mother, father, and siblings who went before her. She will be greatly missed, deeply loved, and forever remembered. James Stailey asks in lieu of flowers and/or gifts that support is given in Audrey's name to the Alzheimer Association - Help fight Alzheimer's.
Audreyâ x80 x99s Tomorrow
When tomorrow starts without me,
Please do not think Iâ x80 x99m goneâ x80 x94
Iâ x80 x99ve only crossed a quiet field
And stepped where light lives on.
I was never one to back away,
You knew that to be trueâ x80 x94
The toughest soul in any room,
But my heart was tender too.
I fought for those I loved the most
With a mama bearâ x80 x99s embrace,
And if you were my family,
You had my strength, my grace.
Though I could not bear a child
In the way the world may see,
God placed â x80 x9cLittle Jimmyâ x80 x9d in my arms
And that was enough for me.
I loved him with a fierceness
Only Heaven could designâ x80 x94
Every scraped knee, every triumph,
His heart forever mine.
For nearly fifty winters
Jim has held my hand,
And side by side we built a life
Few others understand.
Through laughter, tears, and stubborn days,
Through all that love requiresâ x80 x94
We kept the promise strong and true,
And fanned each otherâ x80 x99s fires.
I spent my years in serviceâ x80 x94
By hospital bed and home,
Caring for the fragile ones
Who could not stand alone.
And oh, those sweet and gentle souls
With feathers, paws, and furâ x80 x94
They always knew a safe embrace
Was waiting here with her.
So when you think of me, donâ x80 x99t dwell
On the final breath I gaveâ x80 x94
Remember strength and steady hands,
Remember how I was brave.
I am with my mama and daddy now,
With siblings gone beforeâ x80 x94
And when the Lord called out my name,
I did not fear that door.
If you could see the peace I know,
You would not ask me backâ x80 x94
There is no more pain to bear,
No weight upon my back.
So stand up tall and carry on,
Love boldly, just like me.
Be strong. Be kind. Protect your own.
Thatâ x80 x99s how Iâ x80 x99ll always be.
And when your own tomorrow comes
And Heaven feels so near,
Youâ x80 x99ll find me standing firm and proudâ x80 x94
Still fierce. Still loving. Here.