Robert Stackhouse

On Friday, September 2, 2022, God sent his angel to deliver our dear father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to his eternal resting place. Robert Stackhouse was born November 5, 1927, to the late Eddie and Phillis Reed Stackhouse on Avalon Plantation in Patterson, Louisiana.   He was baptized and became a full-time member of Little Zion Baptist Church. Brother Robert was a faithful and dedicated member serving as a Deacon and full-time Maintenance “Repairman.”  There was nothing Brother Stackhouse couldn’t fix for the church or for anyone.  

On September 15, 1951, he married the love of his life, Bessie Mae Johnson. Upon this union, they were blessed with four children: Allen, Ernest, Diane, and Phyllis.  While Robert was the best dad any child could be blessed with, he was just as good as a grandfather and great grandfather.  He made sure each of them had a rocking chair or swing for their porch or patio.  He believed in giving and lending his talents. Robert was also a role model for so many young men who would cross his path.  He always had a positive word for them and stressed the importance of hard work and the importance of taking care of family.  Not only did he stress work ethics, but he lived it.  Brother Robert began his work career as a day laborer in the sugarcane fields of Patterson, Louisiana, and later, he worked for a mud company in Berwick, Louisiana.  From there, he strived to take better care of his family by becoming employed at McDermott Fabricators for 29 years.  He was one of the first Black Crane Operators for the Morgan City Fabrication Yard.  Once his work day was over at McDermott, he picked up the keys to become the janitor of Sarah T. Patterson School next door to his home for over 25 years.  His family was his priority, and he wanted to make certain that he and Bes (the affectionate name he called his wife) could be taken care of in their elder days.  Truly God found Favor.

In May of 1958, he became a Prince Hall Mason, and he was an active member of Lodge 116 for 64 years. Brother Stackhouse was a self-taught carpenter. Many would bring their wooden items in pieces, and Robert would put them all back together again. In the early Seventies, he began creating “What Not Shelves.”  They were small, beautifully crafted shelves that adorned many homes in the area and many other states.  He loved woodworking and restoring furniture for so many.  

 Robert leaves a legacy and many, many precious memories for his son, Ernest Stackhouse, Sr. (Glenda) of Patterson, Louisiana; two daughters, Diane S. Roy of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Phyllis Glover (Matthew) of Morgan City, Louisiana; five grandchildren, Allen Andrew Watts of Eunice, Louisiana, Selika Stackhouse Sampson (Wayne) of Tallahassee, Florida, Ernest Stackhouse, Jr. of Tallahassee, Florida, Kailyn Glover Abdin (Aaron) of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Brianna Glover of New Orleans, Louisiana; ten Great-grandchildren, Jordan, Shanquia, Wisdom, Karmen, Lincey, Imani, Daniel, Nia, Jonathan, and Nola; and two Goddaughters Carolyn Hall and Dewana Span Wright.  A host of nieces, nephews, and friends. He also leaves good friends, Robert “Rob” Johnson, Sr., Micheal Johnson, Raymon Colar, and Donnie Fonnette.

When he reached Heaven, he was met by his wife, Bessie Mae Stackhouse, parents: Eddie and Phillis Reed Stackhouse, three brothers: Alex Stackhouse, Bernie Stackhouse, and Lionel Stackhouse, five sisters:  Lucille Castle, Dorothy Darnell, Hennie Bridget, Hattie Span, and Emma Lou Calvin, son: Allen Ballet, many aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Little Zion Baptist Church 2734 Sixth St.  Berwick, LA from 9:00 AM until funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in the Berwick Cemetery.