Loretta Stafford

Loretta Fountain Stafford, 84, of Madisonville, Kentucky, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on October 10, 2024, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville, Kentucky. 

Loretta was born June 9, 1940, in Owensboro, KY, to Robert Henry Wimsatt and Donnia Belle Fountain Jones. 

She was a devoted servant of Christ and a cherished Lively Stone Church of God member for over sixty years. Her unwavering faith and commitment to her community were central to her life, and her love for God shone through every aspect of her journey.

Throughout her life, Loretta lovingly served as an in-home caregiver for numerous families who viewed her not merely as an employee, but as an integral part of their chosen family, offering support and compassion that transcended her role.

As a foster mother for the state of Kentucky, Loretta provided a nurturing home for many children who felt the lasting impact of her kindness, love, and guidance long after they left her home. She planted seeds of faith, care, and warmth in the hearts of all who came into her life.

Loretta’s role as a mother extended beyond her biological family. She became a mother to her community, offering a loving embrace to friends and neighbors alike. Her presence and love will be deeply missed, but her legacy of faith, care, and selflessness will be forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Loretta was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 55 years, Jewell Thomas Stafford, her daughter, Monica Stafford-Mason, and her son, John Stafford. 

She leaves to fondly cherish her memory: daughters Alicia (Michael) Wesseler-McDermott of Surprise, AZ, and Felicia Cates of Evansville, IN; grandchildren: Jewell (Danielle) Stafford of Madisonville, KY; Govanna Cissna of Henderson, KY; Diem (Spencer) Shackelford of Bowling Green, KY; Korey Mason of Earlington, KY; Shaielle Stafford of Madisonville, KY; Loretta Stafford of Louisville, KY; William Kobe Stone of Evansville, IN; Zachary and Allihya Cates of Evansville, IN; one sister: Joanna Miller of Owensboro, KY. She also leaves behind 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.