Berlee Staten

Berlee Staten passed away peacefully from this life on the morning of August 23, 2021after a gradual decline in health.  She was surrounded and supported by her loving family and friends during the last days of her life. She was born on December 16,1931 in Redwood, Mississippi to Abraham Dolly Sr., and Melvina Dolly (Bryant).  She was united in holy matrimony to Ocie B. Staten Sr., on February 4, 1950. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her six children: Patricia, Brenda, Debora, Ocie Jr., David and Pamela.   She is survived by James Lee Smith, eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren, son-in-law, Kenneth Ellis Sr., daughters-in-laws, Kim Staten and Janet Byrnes, along with a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  At an early age Berlee was called to serve the Lord at Ward Chapel AME Church where she was a dedicated member for several years.  Later in life she became a member of St. John AME Church under the pastorship of Rev. Raymond Handy.  She was active in the Allen St. John AME Church where she loved going to church and praising the Lord.  She served faithfully as a member on The Well Seasoned Seniors committee for four years; in addition, she was a member of the Women’s Missionary Society for three years.  For two years she attended a Silver Sneakers Club at Marlborough Community Center. Berlee served in the community for 37 years as a Cashier and was promoted to Assistant Store Manager and was well known by many customers in the Supermarket Grocery Store Industry.  As a result of her generous spirit and pleasant personality she was loved by many. She had a personality that would light up a dark room.  Berlee was blessed with five ladies who shared a "sisterhood relationship" with her.  Donna Mansfield, Deborah Page, Ethel M. Ellis, Jo Ann Wiggings and Rev. Jane Lane.  Truly, they shared a unique and special bond that transcends the measure of time. Berlee enjoyed reading mystery novels, the Bible, traveling, cooking, watching Westerns and Action Movies, and was a loyal fan of Tiger Woods.  Friends and family have suffered a great loss in her passing.  Now that her light has faded, we want to honor and celebrate her legacy.

She was preceded in death by her son Ocie Jr., sister Leanna Williams, brothers, Abraham Dolly Jr., Anderson Smith, Simon (Doc) Smith, Robert Smith, and four grandchildren: Dajuan, Andrea, Brandon and Carissa.