Mae Wilma Stanford

2018 - 2018

Mae Wilma Stanford 1933—2018
Mae Wilma Stanford, of Rockford, departed this earthly life, October 20, 2018, in her home. She was born June 21, 1933, in Stephens, Arkansas, the daughter of Ulysses and Brooksie Zackery. Mae lived in Rockford many years after coming from Arkansas. She married John Henry Stanford Sr., September 15, 1955, and remained married until he passed away in September 2005. Mae was a member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church where she served as an Usher, on the Kitchen Committee, Women's Day Choir, Finance Commission, former Young Adult Matron, and as a Missionary, in which she received her 25-year Stole. She was self-employed as a Cosmetologist and owner of her own salon, Mae's Hair Care Specialists. During her professional career she received her Masters International in Cosmetology and was a member of the local, state, and national Beauty Cultures Association, in which she held the positions of secretary and treasurer. Mae loved to cook, entertain, bowl, travel, and spend time with her family. She also loved going to Bingo, her exercise class at the YMCA and hanging with the Golden Grannies. She graduated from Nevader County High in Blevins, Arkansas, Class of 1951, and later attended college and graduated from Nolan's School of Cosmetology. Mae leaves to cherish many loving memories, five sons, John Jr. (Aljulia), Ronald, Wendell (Danita), Glenn and Leland (Philisa) Stanford; step- children, Alice Hudson and Dewayne Cannon; 16 grandchildren, including special granddaughter, Rev. Nina Pryor Stanford; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; brother, Winston (Ruth) Zackery, sisters, Ruby Dean (Lee) Morgan, Clara (Julius) Robinson and Carolyn Toney; special sister-in-law, Cleotha Zackery. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, four sisters, Judy Devins, Edna Gulley, Martha Zackery and Geneva Williams; brothers, Ulysses, Raymond and Rufus Sam Zackery; daughters-in-law, Rhonda and Felicia Stanford; and grandson, Zachary Stanford.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018, at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, 3000 Rural Street. Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, October 26, 2018, at the church. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Donations can be made to Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home, 200 N. Johnston Avenue.