Rebecca "Becky" Stanley

“I will not die an unlived life,”…and on November 1, 2024, Rebecca (Becky) Stanley passed unexpectedly from our world unto her next spiritual journey. Becky embraced life with her whole being in such a way that meaningfully connected all within her sphere of existence. She was the light in the lives of those who knew and loved her, and the gift of her presence has left an indelible imprint on the lives of so many, particularly her family: her two daughters Elizabeth (Richard) Beavers and Aimee (Brian) Risser along with her five cherished grandchildren: Lennon Henry Beavers (Jenica), Marah Elizabeth Beavers, Ramey Paul Beavers, Brian Beckwith “Beck” Risser, and Isabella Anne Louise Risser. A mantra she embraced was to give her family “roots and wings” for which the values and memories of “Becca,” as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, are reflected in the core of who they each uniquely are. She is also survived by her brother, Robert (Pat) Seal of Baton Rouge, sister, Judith Jones of Gulfport, Dan Burrows, her loving partner of 40 years, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends, some of whom are deeply intertwined in our family.

Born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, on November 16, 1942, to Warren and Dorothy (Burris) Seal, this bright-eyed, freckled face, selfless, and adventurous-spirited individual embarked on seizing all that life had to offer. After shaping her childhood in Washington Parish, she graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi and was a Kappa Delta. Her profession, as a social worker, and passion to advocate, empower, and support others, spanned a career with the Harrison County Department of Human Services and Family Support Services for the U.S. Air Force. Whether in Biloxi, MS or Germany and England she was a vessel of compassion and care. Though her roots were in Louisiana, Ocean Springs was her home, and she was a lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Becky embodied a combination of seamlessly contradictory traits, which revealed the multifaceted person she was. She was a strong, independent woman as well as vulnerable. Her introspective and reflective nature juxtaposed with her outward vivacious energy to go, be, and do. Becky highly valued the significance of traditions but also instilled in her children and grandchildren a mindset to use that tradition as a base for making their own unconventional experiences. She was known to be organized (and an organizer) and yet she had her ways of doing things. Becky was strong-willed but opened herself always to other perspectives, experiences, and ideas. She was uniquely layered in the most wonderful ways.

Becky authentically lived her values of connectedness, volunteerism, altruism, curiosity, adventure, compassion, and courage, and in doing so, she traveled the world embracing each experience, made dreams reality, rode horses when she was young, loved nurturing gardens, and was an avid reader. She had an expansive knowledge of gardening, antiques (from period furniture to lace), quilts, multiple genres of literature, world history, art, and seized every opportunity to learn and grow. In whatever community she was in, she never met a stranger as evidenced by the stories anyone who knew her could gladly share. Quite simply, being with her, no matter the experience somehow left you with a feeling of joy and a smile. Though she was never afraid of embarking on a journey alone, she always believed that the best adventures are the ones you share with friends and loved ones.

Words cannot fully capture the life of our Becca- the woman who truly lived a life of wonder and in such a way that meaningfully connected people through created and seized experiences, while she was embracing all that life presented to her along the paths she explored. Becky encouraged those around her to never be afraid to embrace the unknown, whether it was something that challenged you, something that was new, or something you feared. Becky instilled a strength and belief that you can overcome anything, all while growing and improving, and do it with a glass of champagne and a laugh.

While Becky did so love fresh garden flowers, she also embraced and supported numerous philanthropic causes. We suggest that in lieu of flowers, you consider a donation to St. John’s Episcopal Church in her name to continue the ministries she deeply supports or to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast, an organization her daughter, Aimee, leads where Becky volunteered for many years, believing in the impact of the programs that connect children to mentors who give light to their lives. To give to either of these causes visit: St. John’s Episcopal Church: https://onrealm.org/StJohnsEpiscopa73312/-/form/give/now or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Gult Coast: centralgulfbbbs.org/donate.

All who experienced Becky’s beautiful soul are deeply connected to the trail of memories that detail the story of her life. Please join her family and friends on Saturday, November 9 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs as we connect to share stories and celebrate the light, she has left in all of us. A reception will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall hosted by the daughters of the King, followed by a service in the church at 11:00 a.m. with interment in the St. John’s Memorial Garden.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Rebecca "Becky" Stanley.