George Stanley

George Stanley, having recently celebrated his 75th birthday, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on February 28, 2026. He was born on February 16, 1951, to the late Lawrence E. Stanley and Kathryn Payne Stanley James in Newark, New Jersey where he attended Newark public schools. He graduated from South Side High School in 1968. As a teen George was involved in many activities and organizations inside and outside of school. He loved to swim and sing and was a member of an elite singing group at South Side called “The Madricals.” George was also involved with the YMWCA where he became Youth National President which enabled him to travel inside and outside the country. George earned his BA from Georgia State University and a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Writing for Performing Arts from the University of California, Riverside. Anyone who knew George knew him as a man of many talents which included playing the flute and guitar to filmmaking and writing. He also possessed a jovial and adventurous spirit that led him to explore much of what life had to offer taking up residency in Atlanta, California and North Carolina. He was a voracious reader, which helped inspire his desire to write. In 2015, he wrote and published his first novel, Brick City, named for his beloved hometown. He also wrote additional books and screenplays. Professional experience included being a chef and caterer, teacher, filmmaker, author, musician and driver. Most recently, he worked as a Compliance Supervisor with Bold Ministries, Bread of Life Development, where he monitored their food program providing food to children in after school and summer programs. George was blessed with three daughters, and in later years he especially embraced the joy of being a grandfather and great-grandfather. He treasured his time with his grandchildren and loved being their grandpa. Whether sharing stories, special events, or everyday moments, those times meant the world to him. George was rarely without a video camera close by, always ready to capture the memories he held so dear. George was an avid golfer and during basketball and football season can found in front of the T.V. cheering for his favorite teams. He was a dedicated gardener, and his garden would yield tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and some of the sweetest watermelons you’ve ever tasted. George’s warm and compassionate nature meant that he never met a stranger; everyone he encountered was greeted with kindness and genuine friendship. George is survived by his beloved daughters, Muqeeta, Tani, and Sheena; his grandchildren Kareem, Summer, Sierra, Alazjah, Samuel, Amaiyah, plus five great-grandchildren; his siblings: Lauren (Ihsan), Craig and Lawrence, his uncle Bill along with many nieces, nephews, and a host of other family members and friends, all of whom will cherish his memory. George was preceded by in death by his father Lawrence, mother Kathryn, and brother David.

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George Stanley

February 16, 1951 - February 28, 2026