A Life Story
Lily Mae Brown Stafford, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and warmth. She was born into this world on the blissful morning of Friday, February 28th, 1936, in Bellville, Georgia, and became a long-time resident of Bloomingdale, Georgia for 65 + years. A devoted homemaker, Lily found her life's purpose in nurturing her family and creating a loving home. Her heart was as expansive as her family, and she gave her all to those around her. Lily was predeceased by her beloved husband, Eli Austin Stafford, with whom she shared 54 blessed years of marriage. She also rejoins her son, Eric Brown Stafford; parents, James "Jim" Eason Brown and Martha Jane "Janie" Jernigan Brown; sister, Willie Lee Brown Tipton; brother, James "Jimmy" Eason Brown, Jr.; a granddaughter, Patricia Stafford Koskela; and a daughter-in-law, Mary Austin Stafford. She attended Claxton Highschool where she played Basketball and was a long time member of Alpha Methodist Church in Bloomingdale where she was very dedicated to the church and served in many compacities over the years and was active member of UMW. She was a 50 + year member of the Order of the Eastern Star where she served many times as Worthy Matron and was currently serving as the Honorary Chaplin which she had done for many years. She was past Royal Matron of the Order of the Amaranth and was First Lady of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, F & A.M.'s from 2006-2007 and was a member of the DAR and was a fund raiser for the March of Dimes, American Kidney Foundation, American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. Lily's gentle spirit lives on through her children: Kenneth Jay Stafford; Mitchell Eli Stafford and his wife Tami; and Eason Andrew Stafford and his wife Theresa. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Mitchell Seth Stafford (Crystal), Caleb Eli Stafford (Jade), Meredith Stafford Luke (Jason), Andrea Stafford Deal (Justin), Emily Jane Shuman (Kurt), Ashley Elizabeth Stafford, and Eric Holland Stafford (April), as well as her precious great-grandchildren: Mathilda Grace Luke, Esau Kenneth Luke, Jasper Austin Luke, Emmitt Austin Stafford, Clara Layne Stafford, Lily Mae Crystal Stafford, Madison Elaine Koskela, Eli Stafford Koskela, Julia Riley Koskela, Nova McKinzie Deal, Ezra Patrick Shuman, and Elliott Jane Shuman. She also leaves her dear sister, Jacquelyn Brown Helmuth, daughter-in-law, April Stafford, her sisters-in-law, Bonnie Stafford and Harriett Stafford, along with several nieces, nephews, and countless friends who will feel her absence profoundly. Lily's life will be celebrated at a funeral service at Alpha Methodist Church in Bloomingdale, Georgia, on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 11:00 am, with burial following at Gravel Hill Cemetery with Pastor John Bennet and Rev. Donald Combs officiating. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation service at the church the same day at 9:30 am - 11:00 am. Pallbearers will be Mitchell Seth Stafford, Caleb Eli Stafford, Eric Holland Stafford, Eli Stafford Koskela, Justin Deal, Kurt Shuman, Hunter Gibson and honorary pallbearers will be Ezra Patrick Shuman and Emmitt Austin Stafford. The family would like to say Thank You to Georgia Hospice Care and the staff's at St. Joseph's Hospital, Memorial Health University Medical Center and Encompass Health. Arrangements have been entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home Garden City Chapel, located at 2794 US Highway 80 West, Garden City, GA 31408. Those who wish to pay their respects and share condolences can contact the funeral home at 912-964-2862 or visit their website at www.bakermccullough.com. Lily Mae Brown Stafford touched countless lives with her kindness, commitment, and enduring love. While her physical presence will be sorely missed, her spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone she knew and loved.