Obituary of Barbara Pelham Stancil

"Having Done Things Jehovah's Way" Our dear mother Barbara Stancil, was born Barbara Ann Pelham on April 19, 1942 in New Bern, North Carolina, and raised by her parents Moses and Lovie Pelham as the first of five children. She is survived by her siblings Marjorie Marie, Linda Faye, Moses Leander and Edgar Rudolph. She completed her schooling at J.T. Barber High School, where, in 1960 she earned her degree. It was also there, where she met a very handsome and athletic young man, named John Harvey Stancil. They married, and would become the dedicated parents of six beautiful children. Here today, are five of us- Bermell Lates, Jeffrey Cardell, Mitchell Antoine, Miguel and Kevin. She would later bare the painful burden of surviving the death of her only daughter and best friend, Demetridel. She took great pride as a very capable and supportive housewife in raising all of us in the fear of our Heavenly Father, Jehovah, having symbolized her dedication to Him through water baptism in August, 1979. Her children would respond beautifully to her unconditional, constant love and rearing as we went on to raise families of our own, striving to apply the things we had learned from her. Whereas mom produced five sons and one daughter with the aide of Jehovah, her sons would later bless her with five beautiful granddaughters and one very handsome and strapping grandson. Through her son's marriage, she would also come to know, love and embrace a number of adorable great-grand children. Mommy LIVED for her children. We were her breath and her LIFE- her prized possessions. She lived for us and she lived through us. 'No greater joy did she have, than that she would hear that her children would go on walking in the truth.' (3 John 4) It is these bible truths that we are gathered- in what has temporarily become this "house of mourning"- to ponder on today. (Ecclesiastes 7:2) Throughout the course of her spiritual life, mom has adopted many, many sons and daughters. She loved you with an uncontested love. She lived for you as well, and she lead- she taught- primarily by example. Her love, her grace, her quiet and mild spirit, her goodness and dignity, and love of elegant dress and grooming- all of it profoundly evident- despite the ravages of her many ailments that would ultimately disable her beautiful, physical body- attests to the amazing Christian woman that she truly was. Our father did indeed lead us to the truths found in the bible, but our mother taught us through her example how to live it. She taught you too. Without eloquent speech, or ready recall of bible scripture, when all was said or done, it would simply come down to her loving look, calming voice and favorite expression: "Just do things Jehovah's way..." As we continue to live life, may all of us- as Barbara Ann's friends and family- search deep in our hearts, find what the will of God is, and with a graceful, quiet, mild and loving spirit befitting of a fine servant of the Living God, "...just continue to do things Jehovah's way". (Mark 3:35) The family loves you all, and we thank you so very much for sharing this time with us.