Celia Escobedo Stafford

Celia Escobedo Stafford entered eternal rest on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at her home in Schulenburg. She was born on Sept. 27, 1947, in San Antonio.

Celia was married to Rev. Andrew Earl Stafford, pastor of St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Schulenburg. Her funeral was held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 11 a.m. at her beloved St. James Church. A longtime family friend, Rev. Shelton Dotson Jr., officiated and delivered the eulogy. Pastors from the Schulenburg Ministerial Alliance, as well as pastors from the surrounding areas, spoke at the service. Many relatives as well as special friends offered reflections, tributes, remarks, and words of comfort to the family. Proclamations were read from St. James Missionary Baptist Church and from Pleasant Union Missionary Baptist Church. Relatives and friends traveled from all over the state of Texas, Washington, D.C. and Virginia to attend the Homecoming Service for Celia. The interment took place in the Community Cemetery in Schulenburg. The family continued the Celebration of Celia’s life at a repast at the Church where a sausage and brisket lunch was served. Celia loved sharing the various local sausages with those from out-of-town and she was often seen in the kitchen of St. James on Saturday mornings serving the sausage plates.

Celia was a dedicated wife, and a strong Christian soldier who was loved by all who knew her. She and Rev. Stafford were married for 45 years and as the gracious “First Lady of the Church,” she was always making herself available to contribute to the building of God’s Kingdom and helping others with their spiritual walk. A faithful servant and member of the church, she served in many capacities. She had a steadfast dedication to the beautification and maintenance of the physical edifice, while also tending to the business and day-to-day administrative tasks of the Church. She also served as president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the La Grange District Association and received accolades for her strong service in that position. Her love and faithfulness to her family, and her kindness to friends and all who she met is a memorial to her beautiful life.

Celia was preceded in death by her parents, Mateo Escobedo and Maria Moreno; maternal grandparents, Bartola and Felicitas Soto; paternal grandparents, Antonio Escobedo and Josefina Garza-Escobedo; sisters, Erminia Carrasco and Juanita Escobedo; sister -in law, Jesusa Escobedo; and brothers-in law, Salvador De La Garza and Manuel D. Hernandez.

Celia leaves to cherish her memories, her loving husband, Rev. Andrew Earl Stafford. To this marriage, no children were born, but Celia was proud of her special bond with family members, Regina Paschall, Angela Cage, Michael Stafford and granddaughter Vanessa. Celia was also delighted to shape the life of her granddaughter Jazmine. Celia also leaves her brother, Guadalupe Escobedo; her sisters, Enriqueta Hernandez and Irene De La Garza; and brother-in -law, Clifford Gene Stafford. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews to whom she was known as “TATA.” She also leaves to mourn, the members of St. James Church and many close friends.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Tommy Taylor Funeral Home of La Grange.