Stella M. Stagg

Stella May Stagg, the daughter of the late Clara E. Jones and Horace Brinkley, was born on August 26, 1942 in Suffolk, Virginia. There, she was educated through the Suffolk Public School System. 

In 1963, Stella married her childhood friend, Everrett Stagg, and they later migrated to Harlem, New York City. They loved relishing in the music, culture, and fashion of the city. Later on, they moved to The Bronx, where their union was blessed with two daughters: Gwenita and Veronica. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who loved to nurture and guide her family. 

One passion of Stella’s was to be of service to others- with style and grace of course. In the late 1970s, Stella became a child care provider and converted her home into a family childcare home for various youth in her neighborhood. She then began a new journey in 1981, becoming a Cosmetologist, graduating from Wilfred Academy of Hair and Beauty Culture. Always keeping her finger on the pulse of all things fashion and beauty, she poured her heart into her work and it was not rare for her clients to eventually become a part of her family. 

When she wasn’t styling, Stella would be cooking. Her love for cooking was obvious, and oftentimes people would request that she open a restaurant or catering business, so that they could get another chance of tasting one of her many popular dishes. 

The love she extended to others, was a reflection of her love for Christ. In 1985, Stella became a charter member of Jehovah-jireh Baptist Church of Christ under the leadership of Rev. Benjamin Whipper Jr., and most recently, Rev. Craig Johnson, for over 30 years. She served as the Usher Board President for over 20 years.

On Friday, September 3, 2021, Stella Stagg departed this life to live eternally with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Though preceded in death by her husband Everett Stagg, parents, her stepfather, Jasper C. Jones; sister Bessie L. Dailey, brother, Jasper C. Dailey; sister-in-law Lestine Stagg and brother-in-law, Jasper R. Kee,  she leaves to cherish her memory two daughters: Gwenita Curtis and Veronica Stagg; two granddaughters Khiyanna Jackson and Christine Bolden; three grandsons Devin Stagg, Michael Bolden all of the Bronx, NY and Marcus Curtis of Maryland.  Seven sisters, Shirley A. Kee, Janice Wilson, Delois Dailey, Brenda Deloatch (Odell), Clara Pittman; sister-in-law Doretha Beamon; step-sister Donna Marie Brinkley all of Suffolk, VA; Brother, Samuel L. Dailey, Suffolk, VA; brother-in-law L.T. Stagg; step-brothers Julius Brinkley (Letryce) of Hackensack N.J, Terrance Hartley of Englewood, N.J and Edwin Brinkley(Jean) of Suffolk, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.