Vernice Stanford

On the morning of October 18, 2016 Vernice M. Stanford passed away at age 75. She was surrounded by hospice nursing and support staff at North Point Skilled Nursing facility. Vernice M. Stanford was born January 1, 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the first child of Louis M. Stanford I and Della V. Stanford (nee Bynum). Vernice graduated from Overbrook High School in Philadelphia and completed three years at Cheyney State Teachers" College where she majored in music and became an accomplished pianist. Shortly, thereafter she met Thomas A. Wilson I whom she married and brought forth seven children; one of who passed away. Vernice started a career in the banking industry but found her calling with Philadelphia Police and Fire as a dispatcher where she saved countless lives. During this career as a 911 dispatcher she recognized a need for a bilingual liaison to the critically affected Spanish speaking community. She taught herself to speak Spanish fluently to fulfill the need to communicate with the Spanish community. Because of Vernice"s deep love for children, she spent time as a non-teaching assistant (NTA) at William D. Kelley Elementary School. Vernice was the established Peniel Baptist Church pianist and musical director at which time she nurtured both children and adult choir and concert activities to include, Christmas plays, funeral services, and weddings. She went on to continue these works at Good Samaritan Baptist Church. Throughout her adult life Vernice displayed her diffuse unconditional love of people by giving of herself in sharing her talents in needle work such as sewing, crocheting, knitting, and hand embroidery. One of Vernice"s crowning characteristics was that she rendered kind words and comfort to all that knew her. As her health declined Vernice was invited to live with her daughter (Della) and son-in-law (Donald) in Virginia for four years where she started a new life. The family then moved to Kansas in 2006 where she resided with her daughter and son-in-law until her health further declined necessitating her move to Vintage Park Assisted Living. Even at this point there was an enlightenment in which she further displayed the need for sharing of herself. Here she gave her generous display of unconditional love to people by giving of herself to fellow residents, staff and extended family. Here again she utilized her extensive talents as pianist to share her music and needle work. Vernice was an avid lover of animals. Not only did she love domestic pets, she loved and visited Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory & Education Center whenever her health would allow. When she could no longer visit the sanctuary, she eagerly awaited her daughter"s pictures of the animals which she knew all by name. Vernice had a love of God and the pure scriptures. When she could no longer read, or sing praises to God she asked her daughters and visitors before her death to read scriptures and sing spiritual songs. Vernice is preceded in death by her father, Louis M. Stanford Senior; her mother, Della V. Stanford (nee Bynum); and her son, Theodore A. Wilson Vernice is survived by her brother, Louis M. Stanford Junior; her sister-in-law, Aretha E. Stanford; her brother, Dr. Alfred N. Stanford I; her sister-in-law, Diane H. Stanford; her sister, Alfreda V. Everette; her brother-in-law, Aaron B. Everette; her son, Thomas A. Wilson, Junior; her son, Stephen R. Wilson, Senior; her daughter Annette M. Wilson; her son, Lawrence D. Wilson, Senior; her daughter-in-law, Karen L. Wilson; her daughter, Della M. Jacot; her son-in-law, Donald L. Jacot; son, Anthony M. Wilson; daughter-in-law, Angela Wilson; 24 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; many nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory & Education Center which can be sent in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 305 N. Pearl Street, Paola, KS 66071. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Vintage Park Assisted Living nurses, staff, and residents; North Point Skilled Nursing Facility nurses, staff and residents; Olathe Medical Center doctors, nurses and social workers; Catholic Community Hospice. Additionally, the family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the exceptional kindness, friendship, care and service of Tina Schriefer her friend spiritual associate. To share a memory of Vernice or leave a special condolence message for her family, please click the share memories tab above.