Stanley Evan Easton, 87, of Jacksonville, Alabama, was born in Spokane, Washington. He graduated, co-valedictorian, from North Central High School in Spokane where he was the sports editor for the school newspaper. The year he graduated from high school, he led a group of dancers called the Silver Spurs that performed in many cities across the country. He taught at a junior high school in Tacoma Washington after earning his bachelor’s degree from Washington State University.
After teaching junior high for a few years, he ventured out to the south to pursue his Doctor of Education Degree in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and to be with his best friend’s family. Upon earning his Ed.D. from Louisiana State University, he started his career in higher education at the University of Mississippi, where he met his wife. During his tenure at Montana State University, he completed his Deaconate training, becoming the first permanent Deacon ordained at St James Episcopal Church in Bozeman, Montana, before relocating to Jacksonville Alabama in April of 1990.
As a professor in Jacksonville State University’s College of Education, he helped educate and mold new teachers. He also participated and helped with the JSU chapter of Phi Delta Kappa and the environmental education programs. Upon retiring from JSU, he focused more on building and fostering a Christian community for college students. His passion for education extended to his work as a deacon. He was a mentor in the Education for Ministry program, helping to guide people who were interested in entering into ministry.
A compassionate soul, he tried to help others as often as possible. He tried to help anyone who asked for it if he was able, and usually never even mentioned it. He helped organize and lead multiple trips to the gulf coast of Mississippi and Louisiana to help with clean up and rebuilding efforts after hurricane Katrina. He participated in community outreach programs, including Habitat for Humanity, the Rice and Beams Ministry, and others to help the community members in need. He volunteered as a chaplain at RMC in Anniston and hoped to bring some comfort and peace to people in tumultuous times.
Stanley’s life was driven by his passion for education and his compassion for others. He was a loving, devoted husband and a proud, caring father. He is deeply missed.
Stanley died July 10, 2023 at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center in Anniston, Alabama. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, AL with Bishop Dr. Glenda S, Curry presiding. Visitation and a luncheon will follow in the parish hall after the service.
He is survived by his wife, Tienhan Ma, and son, Andrew A. Easton. He is also survived by a sister-in-law Anna (Yihchyang Wang) Ma; brother-in-law Stephen (Paochan) Mma; nieces Joy Wang, Stephanie (Matthew) Powell, and Phyllis (Michael) Welsh; nephew David (Diane Yang) Wang; grandniece Kira; and grandnephews Nathan, Ronan, and Calhan. He was pre-decceased in death by his parents, Arthur Lee and Nellie Reed Easton, and his father and mother-in-law, Yunjye Ma and Wenching Wu.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Building Fund.
