Ms. Shirley Staton

On May 7, 2021, Shirley Christine Staton, better known as “Chez” went home to be with the Lord. She departed this life peacefully at Vidant Inpatient Hospice in Greenville, North Carolina. Shirley was born on October 19, 1949, to the late Charlie Spencer Staton and Clote Howard Staton. Chez received her education at Bethel Union School. As a child, she hoped to be the “community mother” when she grew up, and she did just that. She was a loving listener, a giver, and she loved to cook for invited and sometimes uninvited guests. If you knew Chez then you knew that she never turned anyone away. She would give her last to help others, especially her children and grandchildren. Chez opened her home to children that she did not birth, people who came for a plate, and those in the community who only knew her by “Chez.” This very hospitality was an extension of her ministry in her local church. Shirley was a member of Full Gospel Tabernacle Church of Bethel, North Carolina, where she served for years as an Usher and what a servant she was. She was ordained as a Mother of the church, then she served as a Mother and Usher until her death. Although a quiet soul, she was also a praying soul. Shirley would often respond to situations, both good and bad, in prayer. She also always encouraging those around her to “just pray.” Shirley was preceded in death by six sisters; six brothers; one grandchild never to be forgotten, Montrice Jamal Dudley. Shirley leaves to carry on her legacy three sons, Bishop Clifton Staton (Paulette) of Hamilton, NC, James Staton (Shanita) of Greenville, NC, Maurice Staton of the home; five daughters, Delia Staton (Keith) of Greenville, NC, Tasha Staton (Ray) of Tarboro, NC, Denequa Biggs (Xavier) of Robersonville, NC, Monique Staton (Maurice) of Greenville, NC and Amanda Staton of Bethel, NC; four brothers, Pastor Charles Staton (Maria) of Bethel, James Earl Staton of the home, Alton Ray Staton of Greenville, NC and David Highsmith of Greenville; four sisters, Rosa Grimes (Willie Mack) of Bethel, NC, Deborah Pippens of Bethel, NC, Jamie Highsmith of Greenville, NC, and Donna Staton of Greenville, NC; seventeen grandchildren, Clifton Staton (Shameka), Terance Staton, Terrell Staton (Sybil), Kelsey Staton, Darrius Staton, Tanzania Dancy, Chantel Staton, Genesis Hudgins, Latavia Hudgins, Raekwon Smith, Shedell Staton, Mikell Staton, Nasqueonta Staton, Tykierion Staton, Destiny Carmack, Aamira Biggs, and Jaidyn Staton; twelve great- grandchildren; a special long time best friend, Beatrice Burston of Bethel, NC and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We gave Shirley “Chez” Staton her flowers while she lived, and we will cherish the sweet memories that we have with her forever.

Tributes

Ms. Shirley Staton

October 19, 1949 - May 7, 2021