On January 28, 1986, the NASA shuttle orbiter mission STS-51-L and the tenth flight of Space Shuttle Challenger (OV-99) broke apart 73 seconds into its flight, killing all seven crew members. Within that 73 second window of time-

John Wessley Stanley, was born with his hands clasp together as if he were in prayer and bearing the unusual birthmark shaped like a watch on his hand to Ketrena B. Stanley, and Wayne P. Stanley, Sr.

The manner in which John emerged on the scene, his parents and later-his siblings knew that they were in for nothing but pure, explosive excitement!

John couldn't have it any other way. In fact, his favorite holiday was the 4th of July...because the things he cherished most--Family, friends, and a feast-- were always sure to be in order.

His mother Ketrena and grandmother, Lily Mae kept him in church and under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He grasped hold to the word of God and wrote it on his heart at an early age. This was excellent in his father's eyes.

Years later, as an adult and because of his uncanny ability for the way in which he interpreted his purpose, according to God's word and according to man's world; his Aunt Teddi lovingly 'Dubbed' him "John Wessley- the Episcopal".

John Loved love and truth.  He was a peace maker, a broker, loyal to a fault, a 'beef' squasher, a natural businessman who had a gifted tongue; just ask his cousin, Marshell or any woman, for that matter, who had the gift of time to know him and beholden to him.

DubbaWho took his duties as an Uncle extremely serious and that of his word to watch over and be a better example to his nieces and nephews than show them a life he previously lived: Willie Jr., Carter, (Tony Stanley, Sr., Tulsa), Romeon (Wayne-Eshia Stanley, Broken Arrow), Maliyah, Mikaiah, Malyk, Wayne, III (Wayne Stanley, Jr., Sapulpa), and Halona (Jorddeah Stanley, Los Angeles) all of whom lovingly called him Uncle, Uncle Dubbah, and Uncle Whoo.

His relationship with his siblings: Tony, Wayne-Eshia, Lil' Wayne, Jorddeah, and Ket-Trez all agree that their bond was one of the tightest, knitted view of true companionship, playmates, confidant, little brother, big brother, trusted, tried and true purest form of love this side of heaven that each has ever known outside of that of their parents, Ketrena and Wayne. You didn't often see him out side of the company of his oldest brother and confidant (T) or his youngest brother (Teflon). He had a very close relationship and deep respect for his sister, Eshia. Naturally, his younger sisters Deah and Trezzi, couldn't stand that he still treated them like his babies.

John Wessley, named for his grand father and great grandfathers--was a man! He was their namesake. They were honorable men, thus he too had honor. Further, he was his mother and fathers son. His parents guided and counseled him with words of wisdom and careful advisement to "stay ready so you don't have to get ready". Moreover, Ket and Wayne willingly shared him with others.

John's grandmother, Chantelle (a.k.a. "Chief" on 56th street north back in the day, but "Granny" to her grands and great grands) knew that this little indian of her "tribe" loved her so soulfully to the point that he and T often surrenaded her, to prove their undying love to her any and every moment they had the chance!

Ushering him beyond this world to the next, John rests in heaven with great-Grand Parents- Wess Sr. & Cathryn Young, Grandmother-Lily Mae Stanley, Grandfather- Willie Curtis Sr. Great Aunt Patsy Dowdy Uncle- Connie Stanley Paster- Willie B. Jones and Cousins- Shay Young, Damesha Lee, LaShona Lee, Kaven Stewart.

Those who remain in this place to remember him, laugh at his infamous pranks and take joy in the ray of sunshine he brought to their lives and yours with that slanted smile and infectious laugh:

His grandmothers, his mother and father, Wayne, Sr. and Ketrena Stanley, siblings Tony, Eshia, Wayne, Jr, Deah and Trezzi.

Along with a host of family, cousins, godchildren and loved ones which are too numerous to list.

Much like Malcolm, upon relocating to Dallas, TX during the last six months of his existence, John stumbled upon some harsh truths... he learned the truth about to whom and how he pledged homage to and with; the most important lesson being: No one but his DNA pledge/d homage to HIM!

We toast this young man, who is and was a better man than some older males.

John Wessley Stanley came here with his hands clasped in prayer and bearing the birthmark, that of a watch  --John prayed without ceasing and had precise timing.

In true WoobieWoo fashion these prayers and this timing is no different.

"Every good-bye ain't gone, and every closed eye ain't shut his great grandmother, Cathryn would often say."

John--we love you, baby muuu-ah!  See you later.