Genise Annette Stancil

Genise Annette Stancil was born on January 12, 1947, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Joseph and Lila Mebane. When she was in the second grade, her family relocated to Washington, D.C., where she attended John Burroughs Elementary School, Taft Junior High School, and eventually McKinley Technical High School. It was there, in a tenth-grade English class, that she met the love of her life and future husband, Perry Lee Stancil, Jr.. After graduating from high school, Genise attended the District of Columbia Teachers College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English. She later continued her education at The Catholic University of America, where she earned a master's degree in English.

Genise devoted seventeen years to educating and inspiring young minds as an English teacher. She began her teaching career at Woodrow Wilson High School, where she spent the majority of her years teaching English, Journalism, and Yearbook. Students clamored to be assigned to her classes because of her creativity and ability to make learning fun. They also joked that she made them write, write, write. Years later, when she attended a class reunion, many former students thanked her, admitting they had not appreciated it then but were grateful for the writing skills she had instilled in them. Though she spent seventeen years in the classroom, Genise remained a teacher throughout her life, sharing her love of reading, writing, and learning with everyone around her.

After teaching, Genise embraced several new professional opportunities, working as a real estate agent, independent contractor, and trainer before finding her niche as Program Manager for the Federal Aviation Administration's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Intern Program. Following many years of dedicated federal service, she retired in 2004.

On July 6, 1968, Genise married Perry. Together they built a beautiful life and shared more than fifty-five years of marriage before Perry's passing in 2023. Their union was blessed with two children, Danika Leah Parker and Perry Davin Stancil. Perry delighted in caring for Genise in countless ways. Whether it was cooking dinner, pumping her gas, paying the bills, troubleshooting every piece of technology, or photographing thousands of her eBay listings, acts of service were his love language, and Genise happily let him love her that way. Together, they were the perfect team.

In 1995, Genise and Perry settled in the College Park Woods neighborhood, where they found the kindest, friendliest, and most supportive neighbors, many of whom became like family. She cherished those friendships, and they cherished her in return.

Genise had an extraordinary eye for antiques and hidden treasures. Every Tuesday and Thursday, you could find her browsing local thrift stores in search of her next great eBay find. Long before online reselling became as popular as it is today, she built a thriving eBay business and consistently ranked among the platform's top sellers. While Genise found the treasures, Perry happily handled the technology—photographing her items, uploading listings, and solving every computer problem that came along.

Her mornings were simple and consistent: a copy of The Washington Post and a cup of black coffee with just a little sugar. A lifelong lover of words, she never outgrew her passion for reading. She also enjoyed crocheting, putting together puzzles, and planning memorable family celebrations. She thoughtfully decorated and coordinated countless special occasions, including her daughter's wedding and the celebration of her and Perry's fiftieth wedding anniversary.

If there was one holiday Genise took seriously, it was Christmas. Every year, the tree had to be decorated just right, Christmas cookies had to be baked and decorated, and family traditions were faithfully carried on. You knew not to make any noise at 7:00 p.m. because Wheel of Fortune was on. At 7:30 p.m., it was time for Jeopardy, and she never missed either one. She was also a devoted fan of Survivor, Storage Wars, and Antiques Roadshow. She enjoyed trips to the casino, loved watching the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies with her grandchildren, and was known for making what her grandchildren agreed were the very best grits.

Above all, Genise treasured being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She found her greatest joy in caring for her family, celebrating life's milestones, and creating traditions that will continue for generations to come. Her wisdom, creativity, warmth, and unwavering love shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in every Christmas tradition, every well-written sentence, every treasured antique, every completed puzzle, and every cup of black coffee with just a little sugar.

Genise was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lila Mebane; her beloved husband, Perry Lee Stancil, Jr.; and her siblings, Joseph “Du” Mebane, Jr. and Zion Jill Carter. Her life will be forever cherished by her children, Danika and Perry; Tracy, who she loved as a son; grandchildren, NaRae, Adryan, Wynter, and Dakota; great-grandchildren, Michael and Demi-Michelle; one lifelong friend and honorary sister, Charlene Hamlin; and a host of extended family members, friends, former students, neighbors, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

A Simple Gathering will be held at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722, US, on August 29, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.  

A Celebration of Life will take place at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722, US, on August 29, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.