George Stanley Jr.

George Stanley Jr., “AKA Duckie”, was born on February 6, 1937 in East New Market, Maryland to the late Rev. George Lester Stanley Sr. and the late Mamie Johns.

George was known for his happy go lucky infectious spirit, he was brought up in a Christian based home with values and true beliefs. His father was a Pastor that lived his own life by these beliefs, his dad served at many churches and charges in Maryland. George’s father put his best foot forward by incorporating and instilling Christian values in his children. George’s faith-based teachings began at home and at the Washington United Methodist Church in Hurlock, MD.

George attended the Dorchester County Public School System in Hurlock, MD, he then went on to   Mace’s Lane High School in Cambridge, MD, make no mistake, that there was no way for George to sneak off and not go to school. His mom drove the school bus in the town of Hurlock, MD, she knew everybody and everyone knew of the “Stanley’s”. Sometime later, he went on to enlist in the United States Navy where he served faithfully.

After the Navy, George decided to venture off all on his own and move to Boston, Massachusetts where he got a job as a cook. We still wonder how and who said he could cook. The best thing he ever cooked was an egg over easy and a fantastic steak, other than that, he was by no means a cook. He thought he was, and somehow landed a job doing just that, so there you go. George remained living and working in Boston where he met and married Ella Mae Frazier. From that union they welcomed a daughter, Mona Olivia Young and a son, Steven Hamilton Stanley, outside of this union, George welcomed two daughters, Caryn Bonner and Chrystal Bonner.

After George worked for some time as a cook, he then incorporated his love for painting and got various contracted jobs that offered preconstruction design at commercial and institutional levels. This gave him the experience and confidence to start working odd jobs on the side to make extra cash for himself. He would paint homes inside and out and was spectacular at wall papering. This was the thing back then, so he was handy and he had design skills. He then went on to start his own painting company, we never knew what the name of that company was but most people in the Boston City area did know of Stanley and his great painting abilities, they would call the house all the time to try and get in-touch with him to set up an appointment.

George was also a lover of cars and fine clothes. He always made sure that he had some wheels, but he would never buy a brand-new car off the lot. He would always buy a car that was already somewhat broken in a bit. This way, he was able to mold it into what he wanted it to be. Every time you turn around, he would have a different car and we would wonder, and have questions like, “what happened to the last car?”, “where is it?”, “why did he get rid of it?”. He would never voice why he would switch cars, he never complained out-loud of anything ever being broken on them or wrong with them, but he would surely never be with the same car for too long. Every so often he just had a different car. Recently, he bought a brand spanking new truck, it was truly mind blowing.

 Some years later while still living in Boston, MA, George decided to re-affirm a new commitment with God, he joined the historic Charles Street AME Church in Roxbury, MA. He served as an active member under the Rev. Gregory G. Groover as a devoted usher. He was also a member of the Brotherhood Men’s Choir. He loved his church and was proud to be a member of this historic church, which is a staple in the Roxbury area and the backbone support of many communities in the state of Massachusetts. Some years later while serving, he became ill, and for a point in time, was away from the church. This greatly saddened him, he made sure to voice that he needed to get word to his church family that he was ill. He wished to have a conversation specifically with Rev. Groover and reach out to a few of the other ministers and various members of the church. He was well known and was considered one of the fathers of the church.

George fought a long difficult battle and would somehow surprisingly bounce back. His doctors and care takers were all amazed at his will and strength, and we were too. He said that when God calls he would be ready to answer.

George Departed this life on March 2, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife Ella Mae Stanley and daughter Caryn Bonner. He is survived by 2 daughters, Mona Olivia Young (Larry  D. Young) and Chrystal Bonner, 1 son, Steven Hamilton Stanley; 7 Grandchildren, Chaijuana Snow, Devon Stanley, Chantel DaCosta, Chakara Bonner, Taylor Bonner, J'Neen Seney (Wedley), and Renecia Benn (Arthur); 3 great-grandchildren, J'Nai Sibley, Loyalty Seney, Arthur Benn Jr., all of Boston, MA; 4 sisters, Evelyn Sampson, Gloria Henry (William), Geraldine Pauls (William), and Thelma Sterrett; and 1 aunt, all from Hurlock, MD. He also leaves a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A Special thank you to Miss Inez Cooks of Roxbury, MA, she is a tremendous friend and neighbor. She worked tirelessly from beginning to end to assist and has been the backbone of support during our father’s entire illness. The family thanks you so much, we deeply appreciate the sacrifices you made to help, may God bless you. Family, you know who you are, thank you so much for always wanting to help. Mother-in-law Sandra Henderson, for always giving the wisdom and love. The Presidents, your continuous love and ability to listen. The Morning Star Baptist Church Family, we love you more than words can say. Charles Street AME Church family, thank you for your un-dying support. Boston Children’s Hospital Orthopedic Surgery Division, Supervisor Melissa Boyd, and Co-workers, thank you for all your continuous support. A special thank you to Dr. Mark Gebhardt, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA. To all of the Neighbors of Roxbury, MA, thank you for always being on the lookout, we could not have done it without you. Friends, thank you for always offering to help, may God bless you all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Charles Street AME Church, 551 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA 02121.

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