Obituary
Bernard “Ben” Stafford departed his earthly home on Friday, February 2, 2024, in Burlington, North Carolina. Our heavenly father called him to his eternal resting place. As he entered the gates of heaven, he was welcomed by his beloved parents, Sam and Mabel Stafford, his sisters Elizabeth and Monette, his brother Dirk aka DeDe, and nephew Kevin.
Bernard was born February 25,1948 in Deland, Florida. Bernard attended primary and secondary schools in DeLand, Florida. Bernard always dreamed of traveling and seeing the world. After graduating Deland High School, Bernard began his journey by enlisting in the U.S Army. He served his country valiantly for 20 years at numerous military facilities around the world. During this time, Bernard worked as a cartographer, served in various leadership and staff positions and was a member of the Army Boxing Team.
Bernard was blessed with the ability to express himself through illustration. He was a self taught artist who honed his skill over time and created many pieces of art reflecting his life observations, views and memories. Bernard enjoyed every aspect of creating his art, finding the subject matter, and sharing the nuances. His artwork was admired, appreciated and brought joy to his family and all that were fortunate enough to view or be gifted one of his signature pieces. Bernard and his artwork will be treasured forever.
Along with the many beautiful pieces of art Bernard leaves us to cherish, he also leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Roxanne Stafford, his daughter Nicole Stafford, and his son Sascha Stafford, who blessed him with seven beautiful grandchildren, Aki (Kathryn) Land, Sascha Stafford Jr., Haleigh (Kwesi) Jenkins, Asia Lynch, Ty Richardson, Nia Jones, and Isabella Stafford.
Bernard also leaves behind five sisters, Juanita Gibson, Houston, TX.; Patricia (Hilton) James, Port Orange, FL.: Verneasa Johnson, Clarksville, TN.; Alisa Stafford and Sharon Stafford, Orange City, FL.; two brothers, James (Barbara) Holmes, Orange City, FL.: Jeremiah (Joyce) Stafford, Fountain, CO.; two sister-in-laws, Jacqueline (Jeff) Heyward, Burlington, NC.; Theresa Saunders-Briggs, Richmond, VA.; brother-in-law, Darryl Simons, New York, NY.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends.
