Lora Ellis Stafford

Lora Ellis Stafford, 62, of Laurel St, in Valdese, NC, died Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at Valdese Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born August 19, 1946 in Mitchell County, NC, and was a daughter of Mildred Young Ellis of Valdese and the late Rev. Frank S. Ellis. Lora was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church, and a devoted Christian. She was a loving wife, mother, and daughter.In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Joe R. Stafford of the home; a son, Tim R. Stafford and wife, Edith of Rutherford College; a brother, Larry G. Ellis of Hickory; a sister, Linda Briggs and husband, Daniel of Hickory; nieces and nephews, Sharon Bumgarner and husband, Richard, and Eric Briggs, all of Hickory, and Billy Joe Stafford and wife, Ethel of Spruce Pine; a special friend, Kellie Stroup of Morganton; and Lora’s canine friends, Bruno and Coco.In addition to her father, Lora was preceded in death by a great-niece, Kayla Briggs.Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Reverends Patrick Mourglea and Eric Grindstaff officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Private graveside services will be held at Burke Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Lakeview Baptist Church, 4744 Lakeview Acres Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 678, Morganton, NC 28680-0678, c/o Memorial Bible Chairman.