"A Life Well Lived"

Ellen Marlene Stanley born in Doniphan, MO on August 1, 1933.

Marlene was the youngest in the Family with 2 older brothers, Bill and Roger. The family moved to Memphis, in the 1930's, when she was very young. Her father, Clarence Stanley, was a traveling cash register repairman and her mother, Bessie, owned and ran a grocery store on North Thomas Street in Memphis. Marlene helped regularly in the store.

She attended Humes High School (with Elvis), then transferred to Tech High School her Sr. Year, receiving many awards while there.

Marlene met her first love, Gus Petree, at Merton St. church of Christ. They had two daughters, Margee and Janet, and were married for 21 years. Marlene served as a church secretary for many years. Unexpectedly, Gus passed away in 1975.

After Gus's death, Marlene married Ernest Stewart, who had a 10 yr. old son, Bryan. They lived as missionaries, in the 80's, in Nazareth and Jerusalem. Married 23 years, Ernest passed away while they were living in Covington, TN.

Several years later, Marlene married Dr. JR Smith, who she met at the Woodland Hills church of Christ. They were married for 15 years. They traveled, rode motorcycles and drove fast cars!

Marlene lived a very full life. An active member of the Ellendale church of Christ, she loved her God and His church, Family, friends and others. She was especially close to her grandson and great grandsons, Josh and Colton Mays. She also loved her German Shepherd, Precious, who misses her terribly.

She is survived by two daughters, Margee Mays (Mike) of Germantown, and Janet Province (Frank) of Indianapolis, IN; one stepson, Colonel Bryan Stewart, US Army Retired (Michelle), Battle creek, WA; one grandson, Josh Mays (Jamie) of Germantown; one granddaughter, Stacy Hubner, Indianapolis, IN; two great grandsons, Colton Mays of Germantown, and Caden Hubner of Colorado Springs; one great granddaughter, Cassidy Hubner of Colorado Springs; and her beloved German Shepherd, Precious.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Bessie Stanley; two brothers, William Stanley and Roger Stanley; her first husband, Gus Petree, married 21 years; her second husband, Ernest Stewart, married 23 years; and her third husband, Dr. James Smith, married 15 years.

Although she is already missed here on earth by those that knew and loved her, we know where she is and that our loss is heaven's gain.