Obituary of Nellie Ann Stafford
Nellie Ann Panther was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on November 28, 1949. She was one of eight children born from the union of the late Leroy and Margaret J. (McKeel) Panther.
Nellie was a quiet, simple woman, with a great sense of humor. Strong in her Pentecostal faith, she was a devoted mother to her five children, being very active in their lives. Later in life she was a constant spectator for her grandchildren as well. Nellie was generous, forgiving, and kind-hearted. She lived her life as an example to those around her. She enjoyed entertaining and opening her home to her family. Although she could be strong-willed, her smile was truly soothing, and her devotion to family was second to none. She also loved her animals, especially her four-legged companion: Apple.
Nellie married James Gillard Stafford on March 19, 1988. They had a special bond and the couple enjoyed taking short trips with Cedar Point being a common outing during the summer months. For ten years, Nellie, worked as a laborer at Wolfe Engineering before retiring in 2000.
Nellie enjoyed visiting casinos with Hollywood in Toledo being her favorite destination. She also loved to frequent the Salvation Army shopping for bargains. Nellie especially enjoyed country music particularly songs from her childhood idol, Loretta Lynn, and watching CSI on television.
Nellie Ann Stafford, age 70, of Monroe, passed away at home, surrounded by her family on Saturday, December 28, 2019. In addition to her parents and her husband, her passing was preceded by a daughter: Audra Sue Casado; a son: Grady Franklin Carden; two sisters: Gaynell Panther and Peggy Panther; a brother: Roy Lee Panther, and two brothers-in-law; Paul and Lloyd.
To cherish her memory, Nellie leaves a daughter: Tammy Marie (Fred) Reddig of Redford; two sons: Danny Lee Carden (Ray Leach) and John G. Casado both of Monroe; three sisters: Delbra Panther of Mississippi, Helen Lamb, and Tina Lamb both of Colorado, a brother: Tennessee Panther of White Lake, Michigan; ten grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; her best friend since before elementary school: Shirley Gorecki, with whom she shared the exact same birthdate; and numerous relatives and friends.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm-7:00 pm on Thursday, January 2, 2020, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street (734)384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 7:00pm, also at Merkle’s with Pastor Andrew Leaman of Gracepoint UPC Church officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to ProMedica Cancer Connection of Monroe. Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.