John Stanfield Obituary

John Edwin Stanfield, age 93, actor, writer, activist, minister, pilot, cook, (you name it he had done it) died October 5, 2024. He was predeceased by his father, Omer Edwin Stanfield, mother, Lessye Ada McLaurin, son, Stewart Omer Stanfield.

Ed was an ordained Presbyterian minister, receiving Master of Theology from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He was a graduate of Hot Springs High School and received his Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Hampden-Sydney in Virginia. In the sixties he worked for Southern Regional Council in Atlanta, GA, a Civil Rights organization. There he worked with Vernon Jordan and a young John Lewis. Justice for “all” people was his mantra throughout his life. Acting was his second passion. Moving to Little Rock about the time The Arkansas Rep was in its early stages, he was fortunate to act in several of their productions. For relaxation, he and Mary Lois enjoyed jogging/running. The London Marathon was their favorite race to have run.

Ed is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Lois, sons: Mark (Jane) Stanfield, Steven (Michelle) Stanfield. Stepchildren, who became like his own: Susan (Jimmy) Price, Greg (Tina) Frost, Stephanie (Gordon) Ward, Carla Short, Karen (Mike) Smith, Serena (Aaron) Ray. Grandchildren: Mollie Stanfield, Christopher (Larissa) Stanfield, Kathleen (Kaleb) Domel, Danielle Stanfield, David Woodall, Chaise Woodall, G.B. (Marybeth) Ward, Grace (Chris) Pongoh, Mary Ward, Madelyn Ward, Kelsey Ray, Avery Ray.

A Memorial Service will be Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., Westover Hills Presbyterian Church.

The family thanks Woodland Heights Memory Care, Elite Home Health, and Gentiva Hospice for their care of our loved one.

Ed donated his body to UAMS Anatomical Gift Program. So, even in death, he is having a new adventure.