Mary Dann Stampley, 1934-2022
IMB Photo
Mary Dann “Danny” Stampley, an International Mission Board missionary emeritus who shared the gospel in Ghana and the Philippines, died March 7, 2022, at Merit Health Central, Jackson, Mississippi. She was 87.
Stampley was born Aug. 14, 1934, in Bentonia, Mississippi, to the late O.K. and Eloise Stampley. She graduated from Anding Central High School in Bentonia in 1952 and received the Associate of Arts from Hinds Junior (now Community) College, Raymond, Mississippi, in 1954, the Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi College, Clinton, in 1955, and the Master of Religious Education from Golden Gate Baptist Theology University (now Gateway Seminary), Mill Valley, California, in 1960.
When applying for missionary appointment, Stampley wrote that when she became a Christian, just before her 13thbirthday, she also felt a call to missions. Later she served three summers as a student summer missionary in Oklahoma, Florida, and New Mexico. Those experiences, she wrote, played a big part in preparing her for mission service.
Before seminary, Stampley taught for two years in Norfolk, Virginia. After seminary, she spent a year directing work among elementary-age children at First Baptist Church, Jackson. She wrote that as much as she enjoyed the work, she felt the Lord had a place for her in Africa.
On May 11, 1961, the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board) appointed Stampley as a missionary to the country of Ghana in West Africa, where she did evangelistic and student work in Kumasi and Accra. She also served as administrator for the organization of Southern Baptist missionaries in Ghana. In 1993, she transferred to the Philippines.
Before retiring, she served for 37 years sharing the good news that Jesus Christ loves all people around the world.
Stampley is survived by a sister, Dorothy Porter (James) and numerous nieces and nephews.
A service was held March 11, 2022, at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram, Mississippi, with burial at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Lottie Moon Offering through First Baptist Church of Jackson, PO Box 250, Jackson, MS 39205.
Read an obituary here.