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Obituary For Nolen Stafford
Nolen Wadell Stafford, 84, of Baker, Louisiana, transitioned peacefully at home with his wife and two daughters on November 28, 2025, after a beautiful Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends. He courageously battled extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, facing his illness with the same strength and grace that defined his life. Nolen touched the lives of countless people, and he never met a stranger—his warmth, generosity, and genuine spirit drew others to him wherever he went. A devout Catholic, he was unwavering in his faith, which guided him throughout his life and sustained him during his illness. Nolen was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, determination, and profound strength that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Nolen was born on April 29, 1941, in Gloster, Mississippi, to Napoleon and Carrie (McGehee) Stafford and was the twelfth of fifteen children. He grew up on a 240-acre family farm, where he learned the values of hard work, resilience, and responsibility. His siblings—Louis Sam (L.S.), Bernice, William, Ruth, Johnnie Lee, Yvonne, Georgia, Masie, Isola, Mary “Teresa,” Christine, Betty, Willie Jean, and Odessa—preceded him in death, with the exception of Georgia Stone of California and Masie Kelley of Arizona.
Nolen graduated in 1958 from Amite County Training School in Gloster, Mississippi, and attended Alcorn University in Lorman, Mississippi, before migrating to Chicago, Illinois, where he lived with his brother William. In 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as a Sergeant with pride and distinction, including thirteen months in Korea. He completed three years of active duty, including time stationed at Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan, and was honorably discharged after six years.
After returning to Chicago, Nolen was recruited by the H.J. Heinz Company as a sales representative and was later transferred to New York, where he was trained to become a sales manager. He was subsequently recruited by Gallo Wine Sales of New Jersey as a sales manager, eventually transitioning to the E&J Gallo Winery as a field marketing manager for the northeastern region. Nolen dedicated over thirty-five years of his career to Gallo, where he earned numerous awards and recognition for his exceptional performance, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His teamwork, dedication, salesmanship, loyalty, integrity, and hard work contributed significantly to the success of E&J Brandy, for which he was formally recognized as it rose to become the number one brandy. Nolen was proud of his work with Gallo and extremely fond of his colleagues, with whom he cultivated long-lasting relationships.
While visiting his mother in Gloster, Mississippi, Nolen met the love of his life, Joyce Haynes, whom he married on June 5, 1971. Through their 54-year union, Nolen and Joyce welcomed two daughters, Nolenda and Tameka Stafford. They made their home in Montclair, New Jersey, until relocating to Louisiana in 2006. Nolen loved, honored, and cherished his wife and daughters every day of his life. Everything he did was rooted in his devotion to his family—he believed deeply in the importance of being together, going to church as a family, and sharing meals around the table. His love was steady, intentional, and wholehearted, and it guided every decision he made throughout his life.
In Nolen’s early years, some of his fondest memories included hunting with his father, swimming with friends in the pond near his home or down at the creek, and spending time with his siblings. He often joked about the different ways he would get into trouble on the farm and how he would be disciplined by one of his older sisters. Although Nolen was one of the youngest children, he shared a close relationship with all of his siblings and loved them dearly.
During his time in New Jersey, Nolen was deeply active at Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church in Montclair. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and lector, was elected Parish Council president for several terms, and was heavily involved with the Black Catholic Concerns Committee. He supported and was active with the food bank ministry, personally delivering groceries—always with his daughters—to underserved families. Additionally, he was an organizer and parish lead for the CROP Hunger Walk and participated in numerous parish activities throughout his many years in Montclair. After retiring in 2006, he became a dedicated member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Nolen took great pride in the home he built in New Jersey and loved that it became a gathering place for friends and family. Many cherished memories were made around the kitchen table, sharing stories, laughter, and a good glass of wine. He was known for his home projects and his meticulous care of his yard, ensuring the grass was always cut, watered, and perfectly maintained.
Nolen loved listening to country music, gospel, and blues. It was common to find him enjoying Sam Cooke, Charley Pride, or the Mississippi Mass Choir. When he watched television, he was most often tuned in to the news, a western, or an animal documentary. He was an avid coffee drinker and found joy in spending time on his family property in Gloster, Mississippi—hunting with the remarkable men affectionately known as “The Hunters” and riding the ATV.
Nolen is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; his two daughters, Nolenda and Tameka; and his sisters, Georgia Stone and Masie Kelley. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss him more than words can express.
Nolen, known for his deep faith and steadfast devotion to his family and friends, was respected, admired, and a father figure to many of his nieces and nephews. He often reminded his loved ones to keep God first. Personable and warm, he made a profound impact on many lives and will be forever missed.
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