JoElla Stafford

JoElla Brooks Stafford was born on January 16, 1932, in Buffalo, TX to Leon and Arletha Brooks. JoElla was an only child. She confessed Christ at early age attending Munger Avenue Baptist Church and Mt. Caramel Baptist Church. Later on, in 1975, JoElla was instrumental in the organization of the Concord Missionary Baptist church under the leadership of Pastor E.K. Bailey. She was recognized as one of the church’s founding “Charter” members. JoElla remained a faithful member of Concord under the leadership of Pastor Bryan Carter until her health started to decline. JoElla not only loved the Lord, but she loved her church, so she served in numerous auxiliaries to support her church. She was a dedicated choir member in the Music Ministry. She served on the Model Mission Board, Koinonia (Senior Group), VIP (Seniors), Concord Grow Group Ministry and on the Repast Team to support bereaved families. She was well loved and highly respected as one of the seniors in her church. 

JoElla attended Dallas public schools and she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School Dallas, TX on June 2, 1949. JoElla attended Cosmetology School and worked in the hair salon as a beautician at Sanger-Harris department store in downtown Dallas in the 1960’s. JoElla also worked in the Dallas Public School district and held various other occupations such as cashier, childcare provider and cook. She truly was a jack of all trades and dedicated herself to whatever occupation she performed in. JoElla loved to dance, play spades, biz wiz and dominos and she truly enjoyed reading and watching old movies and soap operas. 

JoElla was the proud mother of four children, 2 sons, Mark Anthony and Rickey Ladon and 2 daughters, Neilbert Jean and Valerie Joyce. 

JoElla was proceeded in death by her parents, Leon and Arletha Brooks and her son, Rickey. 

She leaves behind to cherish her memories: 1 son , Mark Anthony Hervey (Holli); 2 daughter s, Neil McElroy, Valerie Boyd (Edward); 11 grandchildren, Mark Anthony (Lakisha), Komeka , Dustin, Rickie, Latosha (Billy), Daimond, Leonard, Sedrick (Melanie), Mahlon , Jasmine, Ashton (Dominique); 2 bonus-grandchildren, Edward IV (Taj) and Azriel; 17 great-grandchildren, Mark Anthony Jr., Xzeal , Kieryn, Kaylii, Marcus, Genipher, Billy Jayden, Ezekiel, Kabrien, Sammya , Daylon, Devin, Brianna, Corey, Caleb, Cadyn, Camilla; 2 bonus great-grandchildren, Malachi and Vasiah; 6 great-great- grandchildren, Markhailee , Mark Hudson III, Kyndal, Kylie, Dior, Amor; 3 god-daughters, Barbara Jo Atkins, Shirley Hudson and Mary Ann Davis; dear and beloved friends, Lawrence (Brother) Thorp and Geraldine Williams and a host of other relatives and friends.