Pastor Stanley L. Eley 61, of Chesapeake, Virginia answered the call from the heavens above. God spoke to him and said, “Your journey on earth has come to end, and your journey in Heaven can now begin.
Stanley Eley was born on December 31, 1959 to Emily and the late Leo Eley and was the 2nd of seven children.
Stanley is predeceased by his son, Michael Nichols.
“Education and Work History”
Stanley attended the Suffolk School System, where he participated in both Track and Field, and Football before graduating from Forest Glen High School, where he was considered to be very athletic and loved by many.
Stanley often worked with his father during his teen years before he went to work for Smithfield Gwaltney, where he gave his life to Christ on the floor in the spice room. After many years of working at Smithfield Gwaltney, Stanley began his journey at the Newport News Shipyard, where he received many awards including the Model of Excellence award, for his faithful service and his ability to work with others.
“The Call to Ministry”
Stanley’s journey to serve the Lord began when he became the Sunday School Teacher and serve on the Usher Board while he was a member of Centennial Baptist Church for many years. Stanley later found himself serving the Lord at New Berean Baptist Church, when he was called into the Ministry, and was ordained under the leadership of the late Pastor Leroy Ricks, Sr. while attending Bible College at Calvary Baptist Church (located on Gust Lane in Portsmouth, Virginia), in order to further his studies in the word of God. He was called by God to serve as the Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for almost 10 years. Pastor Eley had two different expressions that he would always say, “I’m not talking about you, I’m talking about me too” and our favorite as well as his, “I love you and there’s nothing you can do about it.” While he laid resting near the end of his journey, he continued to deliver the word of God to the nurses at Maryview Medical Center. He’s truly going to be missed by all who knew him.
“The Final Chapter”
Stanley leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and dedicated wife of 42 years, Carolyn Eley, his son, Lance Eley (special friend Kelsey) of Pennsylvania; his mother, Emily Eley of Suffolk, VA ; three brothers, Rickey (Twanne) Eley, Leo M. (Vicki) Eley, both of Suffolk, VA and Terry (Merita) Eley, of Portsmouth, VA. Three sisters, Gayle (Jerry) Britt of Suffolk, VA, Norris P. Eley-Bailey and Joyce (Michael) Twitty, both of Portsmouth, VA; two granddaughters, Nora (Sugar Plum) Eley and Clair (Sweetie Pie) Eley; two godsons, Nayyir Mason and Emanuel (Tria) Eley. Mother-in-law, Alvertia Nichols; Father-in-law, Spergon Nichols both deceased; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Condolences(39)-
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
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Langston Powell says
September 13, 2021 at 11:45 amMy Prayers to Terry and the Eley Family!! May the fond memories sustain you and your family!!
Randolph Chapman says
September 15, 2021 at 11:53 pmCarolyn
We are sorry to hear of the loss Rev Eley I’ll Thoughts and prayers are with you and the Eley family. We would always have an encouraging word to share with each other each time we met and shared a word or two about family. He will surely be missed. Our prayers are God will continue to comfort and keep at peace as only he can do. Continue to stay strong in lord and his will. We love you God bless and may heaven continue to smile upon you
Randolph & Sharon Chapman and Family
Stanley and Joan Baker says
September 13, 2021 at 12:11 pmPrayers to the family and the Church Family🙏🏽
Larry Deaver says
September 13, 2021 at 12:42 pmGod bless Stanley Eley’s family. I knew Stanley as a mighty man of God, a family man, a fair leader on the job, a reliable co-worker and true friend. He will be missed.
Keith A. Liakos says
September 13, 2021 at 12:53 pmPrayers to Stanley’s family. He was a friend, colleague, and a truly genuine man. One of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. God bless.
HERBERT AND ESTELLE SCOTT says
September 13, 2021 at 3:11 pmOUR HEARTS ARE TRULLY BROKEN .YOU HAVE OUR SINCEREST CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHY…, YOUR NEIGHBORS
Audrey Tarver says
September 13, 2021 at 4:42 pmMy heart is very heavy. Stanley was a great neighbor, friend, and most of all a brother in Christ. He ALWAYS had a word of encouragement for me. My dad & mom will miss the smiles and chats that you guys shared. I am going to miss seeing you in the pickup truck. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Rev. Barry A. Sessoms says
September 13, 2021 at 7:03 pmI am praying for the Eley family and the Macedonia Baptist Church family. Stanley was a year or two ahead of me in school. Our families knew each other. I always looked up to Stanley as some one who could have been my big brother. While in school, Stanley was a school safety patrol officer and hall monitor. You could always find Stanley doing the right thing, and, making sure you were doing the right thing. If I could leave some encouraging words for us all, they would be, “Do The Right Thing”. Blessings to all.
Sherita Malone says
September 13, 2021 at 7:55 pmPraying for the family of Eley, very good guy and he will truly be Missed by his coworkers❤️
Alvin & Paula Jones says
September 13, 2021 at 9:24 pmAlvin & Paula Jones, Our deepest condolences to you Carolyn and Family, May God give you’ll His Peace, Strength, and Comfort you doing this time, and our Prayers and Thoughts are with you all, Isaiah 41:10..Love you all…
Patrica Diggs says
September 14, 2021 at 1:36 amI am sending my condolences to Carolyn, Lance, grandkids, Emily, sisters and brothers. God received him another disciple that he can send to go and preach the word. Stanley will be watching over you all. Just know he has no more sickness and he is healed. Love 💗 you all Demiel Family.
Kenneth Hicks says
September 14, 2021 at 4:22 amI was shocked and hurt at the same time, when I heard this news, my beloved brother in Christ has transitioned into the arms of my heavenly farther.
Sending condolences and much love to the family in this time of deep sorrow.
May the peace of God and the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit rest on the family during this time of bereavement.
With much love Kenneth and Renee Hicks.
Susan (Babb) Griffith says
September 14, 2021 at 10:12 amCarolyn-I haven’t run into you guys in a while, and was shocked to hear about Stanley. Dip was the one who called and told me! I am so sorry to hear about Stanley, he was a good man. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Dr. Lamont & Tracey Ricks and Family says
September 14, 2021 at 11:44 amI am at a loss for words. I am numb right now…The pain and sorrow I feel right now is unbelievable. Pastor Stanley L. Eley was a spiritual giant in my Christian walk and has been a solid man of God who loved his wife and son and his church member. The Ricks Family would like to extend our DEEPEST and HEARTFELT condolences to First Lady, Carolyn Eley, Lance Eley, and Sister Patricia Norris (sister). We are mourning WITH you and we are praying your strength in the Lord. Please know that “Absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Those of us who know Jesus Christ in the pardon of our sins WILL see Paster Eley and other saints in Glory!!!!
Vivian Joe Saunders says
September 14, 2021 at 1:12 pmMy condolences to the Eley family, Carolyn and Lance and to the entire congregation of Macedonia Baptist Church. I pray for your strength to get through this trying time.
George Carde says
September 14, 2021 at 2:10 pmOur prayers go out to the family.
Carolyn Sessoms Cordell says
September 14, 2021 at 4:55 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with the family. Our families have known each other for years. Stanley was a good person and was always making people laugh. He will be missed by all.
Miracle Wynn says
September 14, 2021 at 9:53 pmPastor Eley was a wonderful man and friend to our family. He was gracious enough to read a scripture at my mother’s homegoing 14 years ago. I’ll miss him always, yet I believe that Pastor Ricks, Mama and others gone before have welcomed him to our heavenly home. I’m sending prayers of comfort for Mrs. Eley, Lance, the grandkids and all of Mr. Eley’s family.
Bertha Hall says
September 14, 2021 at 5:20 pmNo words can make the pain go away but just knowing that our prayers are with you during this difficult time May God wrap his arm around your entire family’s from the Hall family
ERMA SHOEMAKER says
September 14, 2021 at 6:33 pmMy deepest sympathy and prayers for sister Carolyn and the Eley Family. May God comfort and strenghten you all through this process. I will be praying for your family.
Nathan Hassell says
September 14, 2021 at 11:34 pmMy prayers are with Stanley’s family, friends and co-workers during this hour of loss here on earth. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15 Heaven has gained an angel and Stanley has received a crown of righteousness. I pray that God will comfort the family during this difficult time.
Pamela Sessoms Clemons says
September 15, 2021 at 8:23 amMy thoughts, prayers and condolences to First Lady Carolyn and the Eley family. God will provide.
enoch t roberts says
September 15, 2021 at 11:40 ammy condolence to the ELEY FAMILY .GOD WILL PROVIDE
Steven Peoples says
September 15, 2021 at 12:57 pmOur condolences goes out to the family Carolyn and Lance and children I work with Stanley for many years a he was a true friend and a man of God he would always bless my husband and I to invite up to preach his Church Anniversary it was really appreciated we gonna miss him so much Rest In Heaven Rev. Steven and Denise Peoples
Terence and Elke Brown says
September 15, 2021 at 4:26 pmOur hearts are broken for his family and Macedonia Baptist Church because of the news of Pastor Eley. I know his walk with God was steadfast. The Holy Spirit connected our (Elke and Terence) hearts to him and Carol. He was a man after God’s heart and will. You will forever be in our hearts. You are missed, but not forgotten. Brother Eley you set the bar high for others, but you never looked down on them and expecting them to reach the bar alone. You, mighty man of God reached down to pull others up to you. So then you could make the journey together. Jesus words were simple to His disciples… follow me. You did just that and I’m a better man having known you as a friend. You accepted me into your earthly family as we both knew the family we are a part of in heaven. You showed us His love.
Love and God’s peace we pray over you all.
Penny Dent says
September 15, 2021 at 10:17 pmI am shocked and very heartbroken to have heard this news of Stanley. My thoughts and prayers are with Carolyn and family in the up coming days for peace and strength. I know with all my heart, that even though his time here on earth has ended, he will always be remember by me as one of Gods best angels!
I attended high school for a short period with Stanley, he was a couple years ahead of me, then 10 years plus ago I had the opportunity to reconnect with him at NNS due to my husband worked under Stanley. throughout all those years, when things were not quite right in my life, I knew I could call him at lunch or really anytime of the day, and he would say a prayer with me. He has touched my heart with Gods word more than could be counted, Stanley will be greatly missed by me and I know by his crew members at the yard.
Rest in Peace my dear friend knowing your time here on earth, you were loved by many!
Gloria Howell says
September 16, 2021 at 1:15 amFamily on behalf of the Howell family and the Class of 1980 I want to offer up our prayers to you in the passing of Stanley. I also knew Patricia. May the peace and love of GOD surround you all.
Gloria Howell
Cassandra Roberts says
September 16, 2021 at 3:55 amMy heart goes out to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. This transition is hard for me so I can imagine that it is even harder for Ms. Carolyn and Lance. Look to God for your understanding, hold on to his unchanging hand. He will guide you through every emotion that you are feeling.
Gregory Wayne Norris says
September 17, 2021 at 8:15 amOur heartfelt condolences to the Eley family. May you find the solace and peace of God during this precious yet tender moment! Grateful to God that I/we had a chance to be blessed by his friendship as a brother in Christ. Looking forward to that great day of reunion! Love and praying for you all. Pastor Greg Norris/Friendship Baptist Church.
Mark V Wingate says
September 17, 2021 at 1:53 pmThis is a great man of GOD strong in his faith, always had a word of encouragement for anyone, always willing to listen and pray for you. He will be greatly missed my brother in CHRIST
Nicole Nichols, Virginia Beach says
September 17, 2021 at 5:38 pmPraying for my cousin Carolyn and family!
Pastor Donald Holley/New Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church says
September 17, 2021 at 5:45 pmOur prayers are with you in the passing of a dear brother. My you find comfort in knowing that God cares and we are here for you. Certainly, Pastor Eley will be missed, but I will remember the fellowship we shared in the ministry. Love and prayers from my family to all you.
Anthony Powell says
September 17, 2021 at 6:43 pmI am deeply saddened to hear about Minister Stan passing. I am glad that Minister Stan has known my family since I was a youth age at Centennial Baptist Church. He was a very good man and role model. While working with him at Newport News Shipyard, I would walk over to his shop and he would talk to me about life, parenting, and the Bible. He would always take time to give me encouraging words while supervising. He was very humorous and knew the word. He will deeply be missed. I will be praying for his wife and son.
Anthony Powell
Britta Brown says
September 17, 2021 at 7:26 pmFirst Lady Eley, my heart is just broken and I am praying for you. My husband, Travis Whitehead, was his co-worker and he sat beside him. My husband’s heart is broken. He was a good friend and spiritual counselor to my husband. When my son was murdered (Sept 2019), your husband gave Travis advice on how to help me through the grief.
LaVern Sessoms - Hayes says
September 17, 2021 at 9:48 pmTo Carolyn and the Eley family …When I received the news I was saddened
immediately. I’ve known
Stanley since elementary school. Our family’s also shared a common bond. Gayle and my sister Csrolyn have been best friends since I can remember, so to me we are family. Stanley was the same always. His smile and joking manner I shall hold dear. My childhood friend you will be missed. Praying strength for you Carolyn and Lance and the entire Eley family.
From Labor To Reward 🙌
Crystal Waller says
September 18, 2021 at 1:09 pmCarolyn,
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. May God grant you peace and comfort as you endure this loss and may you walk in His strength in the days to come. My prayer and thoughts are with you.
Elizabeth best says
September 20, 2021 at 5:03 pmMy thoughts and prayers go out to pastor Stan’s family and friends. Stan was one of my regulars at the restaurant I work at (Giannas Pizzeria) and his absence will be dearly missed. He always brought a smile to my face and made me feel appreciated no matter what I did for him. I’m gonna miss cutting slices of carrot cake for him and topping it with A LOT ( and when I say a lot he meant A LOT) of caramel drizzle on it and always had to bring home a slice of cheesecake for his wife who you can tell he adored. He was such an amazingly genuine person that I will never forget. May you Rest In Peace pastor Stan, I hope heaven has all the caramel carrot cakes you can ask for!
Calvary Evangelivcal Baptist Church says
September 20, 2021 at 12:56 pmThe Senior Pastor, First Lady, officers and members of Calvary Evangelical Baptist Church would like to express our heartfelt sympathy. Our prayers and thoughts are with yhe family. We are truly saddened by the death of our brother in Christ.
Leronda, Gloria, Sonya says
October 7, 2021 at 12:32 pmCarolyn,
I am deeply sadden of the sudden death of stanley. I am very sorry to hear about his passing. I will keep you and the family in my prayers.
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