Miriam Williams Stanley

Miriam Williams Stanley, 82, the loving daughter of the late Mary Marcel Butler and the late Lawrence Smith, was born on August 29, 1938, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She departed this life Monday, March 29, 2021. She was the wife of Willie Stanley (deceased), Earl Williams (deceased), and special friend Louis Ridgley (deceased). She attended AP Williams, JW Hoffman, and Booker T. Washington public schools. Miriam accepted Christ under the Pastorate of Reverend Morris Burrell and was baptized at Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Her most recent church home was Greater Bethlehem - Stranger's Home Baptist Church, where she was an active member for over 15 years. After retiring from the Veterans Administration, Miriam was later employed as a caregiver and assisted in home health care at Children's Hospital. Her last employment was with Lambeth House Assisted Living. She was loved by coworkers and patients and often praised for her warmth, kindness, compassion, and exceptional service. A faithful and amazing woman, Miriam gave her family a Godly foundation. A great mentor and an outstanding example, she planted seeds of greatness in her children and grandchildren, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and reach for the stars. A hard worker and financially savvy, Miriam instilled these traits in her children too. She always stressed the importance of saving money to reach your financial goals. No one could ask for a more loving friend. She was the person that friends could call whenever they needed to talk. The friend who would squeeze your hand to let you know that things would be alright. She would feed you if you were hungry, never quick to judge, always willing to share whatever she had with friends, and she greeted everyone with God's kindness. Miriam was a devoted and loving mother to her children. Preceding her in death, son Glenn Williams, she leaves to cherish her precious memory, daughters Julinda Williams (Eric) and Nina M. Payne. Beloved siblings: Patricia Bell, Laura Johnson, Sylvia Sampey, Warren Mead, Lawrence Smith Jr., Sidney Smith, and bonus sister, Pearl Loften, who preceded her in death. Grandmother of seven, Derrick Williams, who preceded her in death. Kiera Cordier, Kameron Anderson, Nineisha Payne, David Payne (Bree'Shay), Danzel Payne, and Nechel Payne. Two great-grandchildren, Destiny Williams, and Bryson Payne. Miriam is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and beloved friends. Relatives and friends of the family, Pastor, Officers, and members of Greater Bethlehem - Stranger's Home Baptist Church are invited to attend a Funeral Service honoring the life of Mrs. Miriam W. Stanley at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125 on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at 1:00 pm. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with livestreaming set to begin @ 12:45 pm by visiting www.facebook.com/D.W.RhodesFuneralHome/live. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must always wear a face mask and practice social distancing. Internment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories and condolences for the family.