of Little Rock, AR
April 3, 2015
Myrtis Stampley Nickelberry, the last survivor of five children born to the late Clabe Stampley, Jr. and the late Rosalee Stampley nee Johnson, entered eternal rest
April 3, 2015, following a full and productive life.
Myrtis graduated from her native Jackson, Mississippi's Lanier High School and attended Jackson State University, where she captivated audiences as a gifted amateur actress too.
The chic retail veteran, whose heyday couture elegance was widely emulated, made groundbreaking achievements in the Memphis retail community. She became the first African American sales associate in 1952 at the downtown Memphis Black and White Department Store, later known as Shainberg's. Myrtis courageously championed Mid-South marketplace integration; she worked tirelessly in various sales, merchandising and training capacities until the store closed permanently in 1982. She also broke racial barriers when directing fashion shows and providing executive image consults during the early years of the Civil Rights Movement at the world famous Memphis Peabody Hotel. Her work history spanning 50 years of performance excellence ended when she retired in 2002 after additional successful, extended employment tenures at upscale retailer Thalhimer's and specialty vendor Babies-R-Us.
Myrtis was an active, compassionate Christian. She was a member of St. Mark Baptist Church Little Rock at the time of her demise. Previously, she was a longtime congregant and former Sanctuary Choir member of Mount Zion Baptist Church-South Parkway, Memphis, where she was also an active Pauline Turnipseed Sunday School Class, Mount Zion Seniors, Robert Johnson Baptist Training Union Class and November Birth Month Fellowship participant until the onset of her illness. She reached out to others discreetly and frequently offered support to the downtrodden, especially to single mothers in need. At one time she passionately facilitated the basic needs of the underserved at Cleveland, Ohio's Second Baptist Church, where her former husband, the late Rev. Frank Love Sr, was pastor.
Besides her parents, Myrtis was predeceased by paternal grandparents Clabe Stampley Sr and Bernice Stampley nee Williams and maternal grandparents Robert Johnson and Francis Johnson nee Maxwell, sisters Letha Stampley Blair (Louis Sr, deceased) and Murlee Stampley Betts (Lucelous Sr, deceased); brothers Luther (Dorothy, deceased) Stampley and Liddell (Anna, deceased) Stampley, along with her beloved firstborn Frank (Sherry Morris) Love Jr. She was also preceded in death by 2 adored nephews, Anthony Stampley and The Rev. Robert Betts, and 2 loving nieces, Gladys (Howard) Hudson and Deborah Scott.
Survivors include: her doting son and primary caregiver, Dr. Odell Nickelberry, SPHR, SHRM-SCP and adoptive son and alternate caregiver, Deacon Preston (Beverly) Johnson Jr, both of Little Rock; one grandchild, Lisa Love of Memphis, and two adoptive grandchildren, Chaniqua Johnson and Makayla Johnson, both of Little Rock; great-grandson, Avion Love, of Memphis; nephews Lucelous Betts Jr of Vero Beach, FL, The Reverend Louis Blair Jr and Larry Blair of Memphis, Gregory Betts of Falling Waters, WV, Luther ''Sonny'' Stampley of South Plainfield, NJ, Kenneth (Janice) Stampley of Grovetown, GA,
Charles Betts of Arlington, VA and Carl Betts of Washington, DC; one niece, Minister Sandra (R.J.) Jones of Teague, TX, along with numerous other relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM Tuesday, April 7, 2015 in the chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 1:30 PM Wednesday, April 8, 2015, also in the chapel, with Pastor Phillip Pointer, Sr. officiating. Entombment will follow funeral service immediately at Riverwood Memorial Gardens, Maumelle, Arkansas. A memorial reception is scheduled after the entombment at St. Mark Baptist Church, 5722 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, AR. The family also kindly requests tax-deductible contributions to the Myrtis Nickelberry Memorial Scholarship at Edgewood College, the graduate alma mater of her beloved Odell, located at 1000 Edgewood College Drive, Madison, WI 53711-1997. The family expresses profound gratitude to the St. Vincent Longevity Center, Hickory Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility and Home Hospice In-patient Facility, all of Little Rock, along with Dr. Bushra Shaw and Dr. Morgan Sauer for the professional, compassionate care provided during Myrtis' extended illness. Her legacy of faith, unconditional love and outreach will live on in the hearts, minds and behaviors of her loved ones for many years to come.
Although we have never met, I knew you through your sons love and admiration and his love and devotion for you. I know God is taking care of you now.
Good afternoon.
My name is Jesse and I am the proud recipient of the Myrtis Nickelberry Memorial Scholarship at Edgewood College in Madison, WI. It is truly an honor to receive this scholarship. With your support, I will pursue my degree in Political Science. This scholarship means so much to me and my family. Your generosity in choosing me will never be forgotten.
Miss Myrtis,
I still think about you everyday. I will always love you!
Odell,
Sorry I missed you in Chicago recently. I still feel horrible about missing your mom's service. I was away working in London at the time and was unaware.
Please accept my condolences and know I am praying for you. Your mom was an absolutely gem, and you were the best son ever.
Myrtis,
I couldn't help but think of you yesterday as your favorite nephew, "Red," was buried. Poor Dell...had to arrange yet another funeral. I know you and "Red" are having a big reunion, along everyone else.
We all miss you terribly! Dell seems to be doing well.
I remember Miss Myrtis long ago when I was a child. She was petite but tough and took nothing from anyone -- even then. She was a great woman, and I am sure you will miss her. From what I hear, you will carrry on her legacy just as she would have wanted.
Deepest condolences to you in your loss, Odell. Sara and I are praying for you and your family.
I am so very sorry for your loss
Please accept my condolences. Your mom was an elegant lady who was admired by many. You were such a great son to her Odell. God bless you
Still praying for your strength, Odell! I donated to her memorial scholarship. It warms my heart to think people will be helped until the end of time in her name.
I was on vacation when this happened. Otherwise I would have attended the services. I am still hearing about the service and how beautiful all the tributes were. You were an awesome son, Odell! God bless you!
So sorry for your loss, Odell! I am praying for you and your brother
Dr Nickelberry
Apologize for the lateness of this note, however am very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. I did not know her personally, although I do know her Son and from that I know she must of been a great and passionate woman. My condolences to you and your family.
Richard
Dr. Nickleberry,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. May God continue to bless and keep you.
Odell,
My sincere sympathy for your loss. I know how close you were with your mom and how proud you were of each other. Your wonderful memories will give you strength during this difficult time.
Jacque Stack Cooney.
I remember my grandmother telling us about Mrs. Nickelberry's glory days whenever we saw her in downtown Memphis. We all thought she was so elegant...always elegant, no matter when or where she was seen.
Odell, I know you miss her, but take comfort and pride in knowing very few moms receive the care from sons that you gave. May God bountifullly bless you and your family.
Odell,
I continue to pray for you! Your mom was an absolute unsung heroine! You made her proud in every way. Find comfort in knowing you have done all you could do. I have delayed my condolence until the initial sting begins to wane. I pray my delay enables you to receive and embody my sentiments as you have been a model son. Be blessed!
My thoughts and prayers to Odell, Preston and family members. I pray God gives you strength, peace and many wonderful memories to comfort you.
I Thank God for Mrs. Nickelberry"s courageousness and her ability to live life to the fullest. She was filled with greatness that has spread out within her loving son, Odell, family, friends and others. She is a honorable Angel. Keep spreading the love and your wings across the world family just as she did. Truly Yours, Toshia
Brother On,
I am praying for your family, may God continue to strengthen you all during this time of bereavement in the days and weeks to come. Please, don't hesitate to call me at any time. God loves you so do I.
I will miss, Myrtis. I will never forget how helpful you were to me when my baby girl Renee died. You were always available to chat and your words of advice were really effective.
I pray Dell and Preston will find comfort in your memory and in knowing they had a wonderful Christian woman for a mother
Odell,
I am very sorry to hear of your mother's death. I remember well how dedicated you were to her long before her illness. I can't even imagine your pain right now.
I pray God strengthens you during this difficult time.
Odell,
I am praying for you and your family. I know how close you were to your mom. Please remember the many good times you shared.
I will never forget the time I met her. She was so very elegant even during our graduate school days. I can only imagine her presence during her glory days.
Please call me if you ever just need to talk
Nick,
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Nickelberry. Please take comfort in knowing you did all you could do and then some.
As soon as I return from holiday, I will stop by to visit. God bless!
Elder Nickelberry,
Please accept my deeptest condolences. We are First Presbyterian remember how close you were to your mom. We are praying for you and your brother.
We were so very sorry to hear the news! She was so very special to all of us here at First Presbyterian! God bless the family!
Myrtis was an absolute God send when I first started working...I still do some of the things she taught me to this day. I worked with her well over 40 years ago.
Dell, I remember when you were born. She was so surprised, but in the end, one of your purposes was clear. God bless you!
Odell,
You have my deepest condolences and most fervent prayers. You were such an awesome son to take care of your mother! I hope my sons turn out to be even half as generous with me as you were with her. Her final days were truly spent as royalty. May God keep you.
Praying for the family. Mrs. Nickelberry was an inspiration to so many during her younger years. So many wanted to be just like her. May her memory live for generations to come!
I always said I wanted to be like her when I grow up, and I still say the same. God bless you Odell and Preston! You have been awesome sons! She was so very proud of both of you.
Nick,
I am so sorry to hear the news! Just know you did all you could do and a lot more.
As time passes, tear will slow, but I know you will never stop missing her. My prayers are for your strength right now and in the days ahead.
Odell,
I am still praying for your strength during this time. Please know you can call on me whenever the need arises. I simply cannot stop thinking about her, you, all you did and the beautiful send-off she had.
You inspire us all! God bless!
Doc,
I was out of the country when Mrs. Nickelberry passed away. I am really sorry to hear the news. I remember her gracing us with her presence during our undergraduate graduation ceremony. She was the "diva" of the entire event.
You have been an awesome son! You have done so much for so long. May God continue to bless and keep you and your family always.
Odell, our condolences goes out to you,
She gave you a great life and a lot of love, she will be
Missed by all.
Most importanly; you gave her your Love and devotion,
Until she took her last breathe, you gave her your life as well.
God smiled and said, well done! It's my turn, Go live and be Happy
Good and faithful son.
We are always here for you.
Love always,
Ulysses and Sam
You are in my thoughts and prayers
Brother Odell may the Peace of God which passes all understanding Comfort Your Heart at this time. God Loved Mom Best, but he put a lot of Her Love in You. I will be Praying for You, Friends for Life.
Odell ,
My prayers are with you and your family during your time of sorrow. Please take comfort in knowing she's at peace and resting in the arms of God.
Love you Cuz,
Glenda
Deacon Preston Johnson,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom's home going. I am also sorry I could not attend home going services. I am praying for your entire family.
I was absolutely saddened to hear of your mother passing. She was a great person and I’ll always remember the many times she made us all laugh and put a smile on our faces. And want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love You Cousin
Garth Hendrix
Mr. Johnson,
Praying for you and family...be blessed in knowing she is in a better place, a world without suffering
Preston,
I was sorry to hear of your mom's death. I am praying for you, your brother and the entire family. God bless each of you!
Odell,
I am indeed sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was truly ahead of her time and a tireless fighter of which you should be proud. I have witnessed her strength and determination in you; these traits, in addition to your strong faith, will get you through this tough period. May you and your brother be comforted by memories of her.
Mrs Myrtis always had a good word for us at Babies R Us she was truly loved
So sorry to hear about Ms. Myrtis passing. (My dearest Co-worker/friend
at BABIES-R-US)
“When you speak of her, speak not with tears, for thoughts of her should not be sad. Let memories of the times you shared give you comfort, for her life was rich because of you.†Praying for you and your familyðŸ™ðŸ˜˜
Odell,
I know you were close to your mom. How rare a son provides the care you did! May God comfort now and ever more whenever you remember her. She was so very proud of you!
Odell,
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
What a beautiful lady and what an incredible life she lived! What dutiful sons! God bless and keep you both!
Mama, you will always have a special place in my heart grateful/thankful for YOU & time spent..... I still hear you saying Love You More. Miss you but know your in a better place. Like you said the Great Almighty put us together Thank You Lord Amen
Dell,
Words cannot describe the pains of my heart that I have not been there by your side throughout all that you have endured. I have prayed and prayed for God to keep you closer than ever in the palm of his hand, bosom of his love and cloak of his peace. Mom Nickelberry was truly one of a kind in life and the ever after. Your love and dedication is a testament to the person she raised you to become. I am sure that she is up in heaven directing the angels and all God's children to stand tall, hold their heads up and sing with more gusto. Of course she has redesigned what everyone is wearing. That's just what a true DIVA does. She is and will always be missed by all. Know that you remain in my thoughts, prayers and deepest parts of my love. Your brother, AL.
Odell,
Dietra and I would like to express our regrets for not being able to join you for your mother's home going service. Your mom was an absolutely lovely lady who loved her son as deeply as I know you loved her. You both were blessed with the wonderful bond a son may share with his mother. I pray you are filled with they joy of having her for all these years. May God keep you and be with you as you travel through this dark time. We love you.
Vince and Dietra
Odell,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family!! I'm praying that God will give you peace that surpasses all understanding! Upon meeting your mom I immediately realized that she was a phenomiinal woman. She was a woman of class, elegance, style! I knew I loved her when I recognized a grand diva wearing St. John while ill. I bid farewell to one classy lady!
Mama,
You were my biggest fan and unwavering supporter! We traveled a long road together, and through it all, you consistently demonstrated faith, courage and resilience. Until we meet again, I will cherish countless memories of our conversations, the frequently hilarious situations prompting them and even the occasional frustrations resulting from them. I will continue to live as you taught: holding my head high, walking quickly with purpose, keeping my hand in God's and maintaining an unshakable preference for decency and order.
Although you now peacefully rest with the Savior, you will always be the queen of my heart! Good night....I will see you in the morning!
Dearest Dell. ..may you find peace in God's love, friends&. family that care,love&respect you so much! You were an awesome son in care you provided for your mom!
Mrs. Nickelberry was a lady of excellence. She demonstrated dignity, elegance, poise, tastefulness and so many other qualities. If one did not know her personally, these many qualities are illustrated by her exceptional son, Odell.
Mrs. Nickelberry only wanted the best for her darling son and Odell only wanted the best for his mother and has proven his love, respect and dedication for years. I have the greatest admiration for you Odell and applaud you for being such a great son to your mom and a friend to so many of us. I am here for you!
Odell,
I was sadden to hear of the passing of your mother. I know you will cherish the precious memories. I will continue to pray for you and your family. May god continue to strengthen you during this time of bereavement.
My Dear Myrtis,
One of the best friends I have ever had. I will truly miss speaking with you, but I know you are resting in peace. I love you dearly!!
Shirley
Odell,
Peace and Blessings my dear friend. I know your heart is heavy with deep sorrow. Your Mother was a remarkable woman. She will be missed by all who loved her including me. Although her body is no longer present with us, her spirit resides in Heaven with our Lord where she will know only joy as she keeps watch over her beloved son.
Love,
Jackie
Odell,
So sorry to hear about your mother's passing. We are thinking about you and brother and praying for y'all as well.
Jay Rosebery & Crandall Kermott
Odell, Praying for you and your family.
Odell,
As a member of the Blue Cross Family we send you our condolence. II Corinthians 5: 7-8 (KJV) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Reading all that she has accomplished one would have to assume she was a remarkable woman to have raised a wonderful person. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kendra
Odell please know that I am here for you. I consider you to be my brother. Whatever affects you ,affects me also. Your mom was a dear lady who will always be remembered. You are so blessed to have so many memories of your mom. You have been such a good son and did everything that you could possibly do. Thank you for being a wonderful caretaker and thank you for being my good friend.
Hi Odell,
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about “Diva's” passing. We are here to support you in your grieving process. With sincere sympathy,
Parren & Kim Nelson
Ms Nickelberry, you were a true DIVA. You will be missed. Take your rest.
Luv U
Carl, so sorry to hear of the passing of your Aunt/Honorary Mom. I admired your love and gratitude to her and as a result I starting asking "how is Auntie doing" over the years. Odell, although we have met, when I would ask Carl about his aunt he always always mentioned you and I would always say "that's a good son right there". May the Lord bring you and your family comfort and peace during this difficult moment.
.Myrtis Stampley! How I remember how beautiful you were standing in Shainberg's displaying eloquence! I was very inspired by you& told you many times, "I want to be just like you when I grow up! I loved you & my Frank! Then there was Dell!
Dell you were such a blessing to your mom! You are so precious. .you know how much I love & respect you for the care& love for your mom..♡
Odell,
Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you.
Tariq and Carol Abdullah
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Myrtis S. Nickelberry was a lovely lady whose life is described with many fascinating accomplishments.May family and friends be comforted in their loss and challenged by the amazing life she lived. She has surely inspired many.
Sandra N. New
Odell,
You have my sympathy during this time of bereavement. You were always thoughtful, kind and caring. You are a son who brought happiness and joy to his mom. Because of who you are she was able to live a long and peacefully life. You gave her your best and that is all anyone can ask for in this life. We love and she has a special place in all of our lives. God is with you.
Lois and family
Odell,
You have seen me through some major heartache this last year. I know your heart is breaking now... I was not surprised to read what a beautiful and gracious women your Mother was....I know she was so thankful and proud to have a son like you! I I am praying for you and your family now and in the days and months to come.
Dell praying for you at this difficult time. So sorry to hear of your mom passing. But God knows when the end need to come. You loved and honored your mom and made sure she was well taken care even before she was ever sick. No more pain, she's at Jesus feet . Amen! Love you!
Odell, I'm so sorry for your loss. I express sympathy in addition to empathy as I loss my father in 2012.
We must focus on the fact that our loved ones are in an absolute state of peace and love in the arms of our heavenly Father.
Praying for the Nickelberry family and friends during this difficult time.
To the Nickelberry and Johnson Family, Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. My prayers are with you during this trying time. Just remember Jesus said I will be with you Always. Hold the comforting words dear to your hearts.
In his Service,
Paul
Odell you are in my prayers. May God's arms enfold you and your family and give you solace at this difficult time.
Carl Betts, I admire the life that your aunt-mom lived. I am sorry for the loss of such a valuable person in your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Goddaddy,
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We all know this Christian fundamental. However, I know you are in pain because you loved Gmama. My heart aches for you at this time. I would do anything to stop your tears, but I can only pray. May God bless you and Uncle Preston!
Goddaddy,
I am so sorry to hear the news! I am heartbroken because I know you are. I have always admired the way you cared for her. I know your faith is strong, and even now, you are teaching me lessons as you always do.
I am praying for you and Uncle Preston and the rest of the family!
Dr. Nickelberry,
I remember my grandmother and mother telling stories about your mom's glamour! I only wish I could have seen it firsthand. Please know you have been a model son; I pray my son is even 1/4 as good as you were to her. Be comforted and be blessed!
You are the Auntie of my life. Your love, thoughtfulness and consideration for us all are forever etched in my mind. I appreciate all that you have done over the years for me and all family members. Having you in our lives made life sweeter for us all. I am already missing your love, grace and inspiration. You mean the world to me. You will always be on my mind. Love, Red
Odell, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.
May you be comforted by the love surrounding you. I am praying for you and your family.
Odell and family, I extend my deepest sympathy and prayers during this time of bereavement.
I'm truly saddened by your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
To the family may the love of god be with you at this most difficult time.god bless
Auntie you will always be part of my life, thanks so much for the loving and caring compassion given by you through the years after the passing of my mother, your sister when I was at the tender age of 16. Although I will miss our usual talks I will continue those conversations in my thoughts and prayers. I love you and I can just here you say "Love You More" as we ended our talks. Now and until we meet again, Love Chucky
Odell,, Take comfort in knowing that your mother is in the arms of the lord.
What a phenomenal woman. Rest well, knowing your wonderful son Odell will carry on your legacy of faith and exceptional service.
Auntie-
I will miss you dearly. Thank you for being there for me through the years especially after the passing of my mom your sister in 1976. I will definitely miss our Sunday chats and shopping for Mother's day and Christmas cards for you. Love and miss you always...
"Charlie B" "Baby Boy" --- Charles
Odell my prayers are with you and your family.
Praying for you during this difficult time, Odell!
So sorry for your loss Odell, you are in my thoughts and prayers. your Mother was an absolute jewel who personified grace, class, and dignity. May she rest in peace. May you find comfort in knowing that nothing is lost when you know where it is, for she is now resting in the arms of our lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!