Jerry Lee Stapleford

Jerry Lee Stapleford, born on July 26, 1935 in New Bern, NC, passed away peacefully July 19, 2021 surrounded by family. Jerry was a faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church and was widely known for his involvement in community, civic, and philanthropic service organizations. He was also active in fraternal organizations belonging to the Berne Lodge, serving as Past Master of the Doric Lodge, and being an active member of both the Scottish Rite and Sudan Shriners for more than 50 years. He had a long and distinguished career in the construction industry and was a member of the Army National Guard for 39 years. After his retirement, he served as an Adjunct Instructor in Food Service Sanitation, which afforded him the opportunity to travel around the world. He volunteered in the Appalachian Outreach mission program to help those in need and treated everyone with respect. He loved meeting and learning about others, giving back to the community, and helping friends. He was a devoted husband to Dixie for 67 years

Jerry will be laid to rest at a private graveside service Friday, July 23. The family will receive friends at a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, July 24 at 11:00 am at Tabernacle Baptist Church. The family encourages those attending to share stories about Jerry’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to either Tabernacle Baptist Church or to the COVID relief fund at www.COVID19ResponseFund.org .

Jerry is survived by his wife, Dixie Small Stapleford, of Trent Woods; his daughter, Terri Stapleford Avent (Randy), of Lakeland, FL; and his son, Patrick Scott Stapleford of Trent Woods. He also leaves behind his brother, Ken Sawyer of Newport News, VA; his sister, Sylvia Ipock of Moyock, NC; and his grandchildren, Austin, Miles, and Trent Avent.

Arrangements handled by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made to the Stapleford Family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.