Janie Mae Stallings

Janie M. Stallings (also known as “Janie Mae” by family and close friends) was born February 15, 1940 in Catherine, Alabama to (the late) Arcola (Alexander) Wilson and George Clancy.

As a child, Janie attended Dixie Grove Baptist Church in Catherine where she accepted Christ at an early age and attended Wilcox Training School.  Later, the family moved to Mobile where Janie attended Bishop Community College.

At the age of eighteen, she was a part of the “Great Migration” of Black Southerners moving north seeking better opportunities.  She landed in New York working various jobs until she found her passion in nursing.  It was in New York that she met and married Cortez Stallings, Sr., and from this union there were two children: Cortez, Jr. and Jennifer.  She furthered her nursing career by attending V.E.E.B. School of Practical Nursing (Vocational Education and Extension Board) while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She went on to receive her license as a Practical Nurse, working over thirty-five years in the profession. During that time, Janie worked at various nursing homes and health-related facilities in the Rockaways.

Janie loved taking care of her family, especially caring for her grandchildren. She watched her grandchildren on weekends off from work. She enjoyed traveling home to Alabama.  Some of her favorite pastimes included knitting and crocheting blankets for family and friends.  She enjoyed working crosswords puzzles, cooking southern desserts, in particular her special Sweet Potato Pie.  She attended First Baptist Church of Far Rockaway and worked as the Pastor’s Aide, a missionary, and was a member on the Women’s Committee.  She cared for people in need and did various charitable acts for friends and family. In her later years, she enjoyed her “stories” and game shows -- The Price is Right and Family Feud.

During the last three years of her life, Janie battled several medical challenges.  Despite her ailing health, she always displayed strength, keeping a positive attitude with grace and dignity.  She never complained, and when asked, “How are you feeling?, her response was always, “I’m okay”. 

On Thursday, June 13th, 2019, God mercifully and lovingly called Janie home.  She was preceded in death by John Clancy, George Clancy, Lee Cardo Clancy, Iredia Stringer and Leada Robinson.  She is survived by her son Cortez L. Stallings, Jr. (Kay); her daughter Jennifer Stallings Howell (Byron); three grandchildren: Jasmine, Byron (Tave), Cortez Emmanuel; one great-grandchild Jolie; her devoted brother Clarence Wilson; two sisters: Elexter Jackson and Lillian Lampkin; her devoted Aunt Ethel (“Boot”); cousins: Catherine (“Cat”) and Carzetta; and a host of other relatives, friends and loved ones. 

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