Theodore F. Stanley

Theodore Freeland Stanley, Ph.D., the fourteenth and youngest child of George Lincoln Stanley and Rosa King Stanley, went home to glory on August 6, 2005. With peace and love on his countenance, he quietly slipped into eternal rest. He is now “free at last!”Dr. Stanley was born in Baltimore, Maryland at the family home, 1022 East Monument Street, on March 18, 1920. He grew up in a large, but close and loving family. He was the last surviving member of his family. The thirteen sisters and brothers who preceded in life and death were Georgine, Helen, Grace, Lillian, William, Edgar, George, Jr., Charles, Henry, Rosie, Ruth, Sarah, and Nellie. Sadly, his life was marked by the death of his parents during his early life; however, he was always surrounded by the love of his siblings. His oldest sister, Georgine Stanley Rollins was his guardian and all of his sisters and brothers kindly served as surrogate parents, providing for their youngest sibling the same love and guidance by which their own lives were formed. They made sure that he grew up in the family home that was filled with memories of his parents and the family piano. As the older children were taught to play this instrument by their father, Charles Stanley, a graduate of Cornell Conservatory at Ithaca, New York, taught Theodore to play the piano.Theodore attended the public schools of Baltimore City, graduating from the old Frederick Douglass High School in 1939. After graduation from Douglass, he attended Prince Anne Academy that was eventually named University of Maryland Eastern Shore. With the approach of World War II, he left college to serve his country by working at Edgewood Arsenal where the weapons of combat were being designed and manufactured. Strongly desiring to serve his country more directly, Theodore left his position at the Arsenal to volunteer for service in the Army of the United States. From 1942 to 1946, he honorably served his country in the European Theater of Operations in Germany, Italy, and France. He would often recall the horror of the events of what was called D-Day.When he returned from military service, he was determined to fulfill a lifelong dream to become a chemist. He matriculated at the then called Morgan State College where he met his wife, the former Myrtle Beatrice Brooks. They both were chemistry majors and as the result of studying they grew to love each other and were married in 1949. From this union, three children, Theodora, Benjamin, and Jonathan were born. They also shared love and guidance with a host of godchildren. Together they graduated from Morgan in 1951.In a time of segregation, Theodore struggled to establish his career as a chemist. Both private industry and the government in the Baltimore area were unwilling to accept an African American in the professional position of chemist. He found it painful to accept the fact that a young man who had stood in harm’s way to protect the American dream was prevented from sharing in it. He moved his young family to Cleveland, Ohio, which had become a virtual Mecca for African Americans seeking a better way of life. The position with Jones and Loughlin Steel Corporation was located for him through the efforts of the Urban League which was striving to help young African Americans to enter the main stream of American life. He found it painful to accept the wanton injustice and denial of the human rights toward American citizens who wore the badge of color. He became known for his role as an advocate for his people.Theodore’s love for family encouraged him to resign his position as a chemist for the Jones and Loughlin Steel Company and he returned to the family home in Baltimore. He worked at Flaxorex Chemical Corporation, and The Internal Revenue Service before locating a position as chemist with The Department of Public Works, Bureau of Water Supply in the chemistry laboratory at the Montebello Filtration Plant. He was one of the first African Americans to hold this position and the first to serve as Senior Chemist. This position was the fulfillment of his dreams. He served in this capacity with pride and diligence. Theodore retired from his position in 1984, recognized for twenty-five years of distinguished service.He received numerous certificates and awards.Dr. Stanley’s contributions to Baltimore City were varied and significant. Underlying his love for his family his friends and community, and his country was a deep and abiding faith in God. He was always a willing mentor and friend to young people, willingly sharing his life experiences and knowledge. He was a long-time member of St. Ann Roman Catholic Church where he serviced as corporator of the parish, parish council member, Sunday School teacher, and member of the prayer group. Recently he became a communicant at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church. He acquired his advanced Catechist Certificate through the Archdiocese of Baltimore and continued his studies as a Biblical scholar until he earned his doctorate in Biblical Studies from the American College of Theology in 2002.When speaking of his transition, Theodore advised his family to celebrate his passing. He leaves to cherish his memory, Dr. Myrtle B. Stanley, his wife of 56 years, his children, Theodora and Francis, Benjamin and Elaine, and Jonathan; granddaughter, Dawn Kirstaetter; godchildren, Melba and Rickey Green; sisters-in-law, Violette Stanley, Bernetta Mitchell, and Ruth Young; brothers-in-law, David Young and Vernon Becks, a host of nieces and nephews, other godchildren and numerous relatives and friends.“But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:7,16-18, (New American Bible)

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Theodore F. Stanley

March 18, 1920 - August 6, 2005