Mark Edward Stansberry

A hearty laugh and personality that could light up a room, an irreverent sense of humor, politically opinionated, with a deep compassion and generosity toward those in need: these are just a few examples of Mark Stansberry’s character and charm. Mark passed away June 21st, 2022 at Mercy South Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri surrounded by loved ones.

Mark was born November 17, 1947 in Ottumwa Iowa and raised near Centerville, Iowa. He attended the University of Missouri where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and later, his M.B.A. in 1981. Mark’s distinguished career in health system administration began at Boone Hospital Center (formerly Boone County Hospital) in Columbia, Missouri and progressed through the years to Lutheran Health Services (Omaha, NE), University Hospitals (Cleveland, OH), Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center (Columbia, MO) and BJC Behavioral Health (St. Louis, MO).

After retiring from his leadership role at BJC Behavioral Health in 2011, Mark remained a staunch advocate for community-building and ensuring access equity to mental health services. He dedicated service to community organizations such as the Gateway Housing First, Mental Health America, among others.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Mary Ann Stansberry and his wife, Rhonda (Sutterfield) Stansberry.

He is survived by his beloved partner Marshall Lowe, his sons, Douglas Stansberry and Michael Stansberry, his brother Kent Stansberry, sister-in-law Nancy Stansberry, daughter-in-law Brenda Young, daughter-in-law Karen Scali, three grandchildren he adored: Jaiden, Jocelyn, and Anderson, and lifelong friends: Mary Wolf, Judi and Bill Simpson, and Bruce Hollenbeck.

A Celebration of Life event is planned for the fall of 2022. Donations in his name may be sent to Gateway Housing First at 1425 S. 18th St., St. Louis MO 63104 or Mental Health America at 5501 Delmar Blvd, Suite A500, St. Louis MO 63112.