Sis. Wessie M. Stapleton fondly known to many as "Mama Wessie or Aunt Wessie" was born on April 30, 1927, to the late Nora and John Stubbs in Johns, Mississippi. She attended and graduated from Rankin County Schools. She was baptized and grew up at Sylvarena Missionary Baptist Church in Brandon, Mississippi.
After moving to Gulfport, Mississippi, she united with the Mercy Seat Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Rogers O. Tyler, Sr. She began working various jobs in her young adult years in Gulfport. On April 1, 1957, Mama Wessie and Daddy Pete united in holy matrimony. They were kind, patient, loving parents to their four children: Freddie, A.C., Fannie, and Ruth.
Sis Stapleton loved her family and enjoyed family gatherings, especially holidays and Homecoming on the 4th Sunday in August at the Sylvarena Baptist Church. Her kind yet strong spirit, wisdom, and love of God allowed her to impact many lives in a loving and positive manner. She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend to many who will cherish her in their hearts forever.
She enjoyed going to church and playing bingo with her friends all over the Gulf Coast and as far as Atmore, Alabama. Mama Wessie had a "green thumb," caring beautifully for all her plants and flowers.
She was preceded in death by her siblings; Hardy Lee Stubbs, OJ Stubbs, and Trella Mae Wilson; two sons, Freddie and A.C., and one daughter, Ruth.
Her loving memory will forever be cherished by her devoted caretaker and loving daughter, Fannie (Benny) Redmond of Gulfport, Mississippi. Her loving and loyal grandson, Frederick Stubbs of Pass Christian, Mississippi; her loving grand-daughters, Kay Redmond oof Gulfport, Mississippi and Ashley (Preston) Dark of Pearland, Texas; her caring grandson, Christopher (Kathleen) Fletcher of Barrington, Illinois; Grandon, Derrick (Bridget) Reuben of Matteson, Illinois; Three loving great-grandchildren, Kensleigh, Quest and Demi; Her loving daughter-in-law, Nancy Fletcher of Orland Park, Illinois; Two special great nieces (Dorothy R. Smith of Richland, Mississippi (her daughters; Charlotte (Derrick) Ale, of Covington, Georgia and Mautoyia (Sheldon) Cooper of Pearl, Mississippi), Teresa (Rev. Jessie) Holloway of Mendenhall, Mississippi; loving nephew, Don (Yvonne) Purvis of Jackson, Mississippi and a host of may other relatives and friends.