Mrs. Katheryn "Taffy" Stapleton's Obituary
On September 15, 1950, a healthy and vibrant baby girl was born to Deloris (Cotton) and Roy Clements, Jr. Katheryn Teofilie quickly became the light of their lives and of many others.
Growing up, she soon became “Taffy,” a nickname her Papa Cotton gave her. Papa first thought “Candy” would be most appropriate, as in “Cotten Candy,” but soon changed it to Taffy to fit her gregarious personality.
Taffy was a tom-boy at heart, much more ready to shoot guns, climb trees, and help her daddy fix cars than playing dress-up or cuddling baby dolls. Her gusto in life was the unconditional love for all those around her. She was always there to give you a great big hug! But she was also there to shake her finger at you when she disapproved of your behavior.
The best way to remember someone who’s passed away is to carry on the wishes, love, and dreams of that person. They live forever in your mind, spirit and actions when the power of love makes the world a better
place! The light of heaven came down to take Taffy home at 12:35am on January 16th, 2016. She battled Acute Myeloid Leukemia since the end of September, 2015. She succumbed to death when a violent fungal infection took hold of her lungs which advanced medicine and technology could not treat. Taffy was greeted at heaven’s gate by her mother, daddy, and her deeply loved and missed nephew, Seth Ryan, as well as many more loved ones.
She is survived by her devoted sister, Alicia, and husband Henry of 38+ years of marriage. In addition she leaves her dear nephew Adam and the pride of her life great niece and nephew, Cecilia Rose and Craig Ryan.
Extended family include: step-mother, Dorothy; stepsisters: Debbie, Cindy, Judy, Kim, Lisa, Suzanne, and brother Roy. In addition, Taffy leaves behind three step-daughters, Michelle (2 daughters), Keely(1 son and 1 daughter), and Simone (2 sons) as well as brother in law Harold and his wife Lee (1 son and 1 daughter), brother in law Robert and his wife Sandi (3 sons and 1 daughter), sister in law Edna (2 sons), and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews whom she dearly loves. Her very special friends include: Sandi, Kay, Noreen, Larry, Pat, Amanda, Mary Sue and so many more. Especially close to her heart are the numerous children who knew her as Nanny; she will always be right beside you tugging on your heart-strings.
Taffy’s life continues to teach us about love. Reach out to others and love them as Taffy would. Let her legacy remain alive.
What’s your fondest memory of Katheryn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Katheryn?
Share a story where Katheryn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Katheryn you’ll never forget.
How did Katheryn make you smile?