MARIETTA STAFFORD
1845-1935
Mrs. F. M. Stafford, known to hundreds as “Aunt Marietta” died at
her home in Paintsville Tuesday afternoon at 5 o’clock. She had
been ill for several months suffering from pneumonia and resulting
in pleurisy but apparently had begun to recover. She was stricken
with a relapse suddenly and her death came as a result.
Last week she celebrated her ninetieth birthday with a family
party at her home near Paintsville. A large number of relatives
and friends attended the party. Her recovery from her recent
illness had been a source of great joy to her friends and
relatives. She was one of the oldest residents of Johnson County
and had a world of friends and relatives who are mourning her
passing.
She was preceeded in death by her husband, known affectionately as
“Uncle Bud,” 11 years ago.
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Following is a brief sketch of her life. Next week an obituary for
this beloved lady will appear in The Herald.
Marietta Lavendar Stafford, daughter of Eliza and Ed Lavendar was
born June 28, 1845 and departed this life July 9, 1935, being 90
years and 10 days of age.
She was converted early in life and a few years later when the
First Methodist Episcopal Church was organized became one of the
charter members and lived a devoted Christian life from the day of
her conversion until the end.
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She was united in marriage to Francis Marion Stafford April 12,
1860, who preceeded her in death 11 years ago. To this union were
born fourteen children, 11 girls and three boys.
Surviving her are Arminta Lyons Wheeler, Calista Patrick, W. T.
Stafford, Ella B. Stafford, Mrs. Dora Spears, May and Dewitt, all
of Paintsville; Mrs. M. E. Stafford of Abingdon, Virginia, and
Mrs. F. F. Smith of Parkersburg, W. Va.
She also is survived by 35 grandchildren and 44 great-
grandchildren.
Aunt Marietta, as she was familiarly known was remarkable for her
high intellectual qualities, strong Christian character, steadfast
faith and untiring devotion to her God and her family. She had a
quiet, reserved nature, but exerted a strong influence over a
large circle of friends and relatives. Her unusual physical
strength was shown in a long life practically free from any
especial illness until last February when she suffered a severe
attack of pneumonia. It was considered a miracle that she
recovered from this, however her vitality was so weakened that
recently she became stricken with pleurisy which with
complications was too much for her advanced age. She put up a
brave fight to live, often praying to stay with her children who
needed her. Everything possible was done to save her for her
devoted family. From February until her death she was attended
constantly by nurses and a physician. Her nurses considered her a
most wonderful patient, being always gentle and easy to please,
kind and considerate of others. She had never become childish like
many others of her age. Until her children were grown and leaving
the home she led them in family prayer each day. She put before
them good literature and always instructed them in right living.
Her whole aim in life was to see her family all living in the
christian faith. Too much cannot be said in praise of the noble
qualities the woman possessed. She was beautiful in person,
beautiful in character, and her life was beautiful and complete.
Funeral services are being held today (Thursday) at the home.
Burial in the family cemetery on the Stafford farm.
The services were conducted by the Rev. Odis J. Polly of the First
Methodist Episcopal Church. He is assisted by the Rev. W. I.
Canter and the Rev. Arthur Green.
Paintsville Herald
Thursday
July 11, 1935
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