Celebrating the Life of Edna Stanton

Sunrise
July 30, 1923

Sunset
Saturday, April 24,2010

Funeral Service

Church o/Our Father Missionary Baptist Church
5333 Seven Mile Road
Detroit, Michigan
Bernard Byles, Pastor

NANCY'S DEDICATION IN MEMORIAM OF AUNT EDNA STATON Loving memories we will never forget, Sadly missed along life's way, With silent thought and deep regret, We think of you every day, No longer in our life to share, But in our hearts she's always there. Gone are the days we used to share, But in our hearts you are always there, The gates of memory will never close, We miss you more than anyone knows, With tender love and deep regret, We who love you will never forget. God knows how much I miss you, Never shall your memory fade, Loving thoughts shall ever wander, To the spot where you are laid. Though absent you are ever near, Still missed and loved, always dear.

After my mother passed away, Aunt Edna was like my mother. I would call her on all the holidays and birthdays. Whenever I would talk to her, we would talk about the times when I was growing up and the things we did in Arkansas. She would talk about what a great cook Mama was. Before hanging up, she would always asked, "Do you have a boyfriend?" or 'itre you thinking about getting married again?" I love Aunt Edna and I am going to really miss her. Love, Shirley Salley, Niece, Fairview, Oregon "I loved the time that God gave me to spend with you Auntie." Love Lynn You held on "Old Soldier" now rest with God. Brenda Speikes

Edna's Journey

On July 30, 1923, God Said: "Let there be Edna Mae Spikes." She was the youngest child of six born to Mars and Nancy Spikes in Sidon, Mississippi.

She attended school and upon becoming an adult, she moved to Detroit, Michigan where she met and married Silas Staton in 1946. To this union there were no children, but she helped her sister, Gracie raise her children-one of whom was named Anna. They took Anna and raised her as their own.

Edna confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and united with church of Our Father Missionary Baptist over 40 years ago and remained a faithful member until her health declined. Throughout the years, she had served on the Culinary Ministry, Missionary Ministry, Senior Usher Board and the Sunday School Ministry. Her willing Spirit was always ready to help when needed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Silas in 1999, her parents: Mars and Nancy Spikes, two brothers: Hollis and John Spikes, three sisters: Rosa Spikes, Gracie Mae Burton, Irada Mays, and her niece, Anna in 2000.

She leaves to cherish here memories her sister-in-law, Mae Williams of Bronx, New York; a host of nieces and nephel4/s who loved her dearly; her neighbors; church family; god-son, Ivory McAllister and a very dear friend, Catherine Jackson who cared for her at home.

Tribute From Your Nieces' & Nephews

I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning ... to the end.

He noted that frrst came her date of birth, and spoke the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own, the cars ... the house ... the cash,
what matters most is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard ... are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile ...
Remembering that this special dash, might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash ...
would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?