Elizabeth J. Staples

Elizabeth Jacqueline Evans Staples was the only child born to George and Martha Brackett Evans in Chester, PA on September 2, 1926. Sadly, when she was 10 years old, her father passed away due to illness. Her mother later married Alfred Ayers, who gladly loved and raised Elizabeth as his own. From this union, Elizabeth was blessed with three loving and dedicated sisters: Elaine, Evelyn and Dorothy. During her formative years, Elizabeth was educated in the public schools of Washington D.C., where she spent a lot of time with family who were extremely fond of her. As an infant, she was considered so precious that they affectionately called her “Doll”, a name which those closest to her still use to this very day. Later, Elizabeth attended the public schools in Chester and was a graduate of Chester High School. She became a member of Saint Luke Community Christian Church at an early age, was baptized there, and eventually joined the “Busy Bees” committee. In 1947, she married the late W. “Calvin” Staples and to this union were born Muhammed, Jacqueline and Karl. Doll always had a zest for life, education, and for the advancement of her community through inspiration and service – a gift passed on to her children and grandchildren. She was an avid reader and traveler and well versed in current and political affairs. In her recreational pastime, she also enjoyed playing cards with her sisters, going to casinos and when in good health, Doll never EVER missed Bingo! Elizabeth was a graduate of Adele’s School of Beauty Culture in Philadelphia, PA and was always available to neighbors and friends to service their beautician needs. Later, she worked as a cook at Molly’s Restaurant which was located on the corner of 2nd and Lloyd Streets in Chester. For most of her life, Doll was a homemaker, committing herself to the uplifting and education of her family and community. Though dedicated to her family, she didn’t sit idly by at home. Getting her driver’s license at the age of 55, which at that time was the speed limit, proves that! She also answered the call to civic duty innumerous times as Past Worthy Matron of Leah Chapter #27, (OES) Order of the Eastern Star, a member of the Linwoodettes, the aforementioned “Busy Bees” of Saint Luke C.C. Church, and as a volunteer “Vista” worker - going door to door fighting poverty, advocating for literacy, healthcare and human rights. Her role as a social activist helped to integrate the Chester School District in the 1960s. Later in life, she became the proprietor of the “Staples Guest House” at 312 East 9th Street in Chester. This provided a safe haven for the homeless, as well as mentally and emotionally challenged individuals, enabling them to have a chance to rest and become re-integrated into society for a fresh start. Elizabeth was honored to receive a signed letter from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle to commemorate her 90th birthday. She was blessed to see 93 years on this earth! Even in her final years, her doctors were amazed at how healthy and energetic she was in her advanced age. Her family enjoyed her quick wit and funny comebacks, especially when she would remind Muhammed that “she” was the real boss! On July 22, 2020, the angels whispered “Sweet Peace” to our beloved. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Calvin, daughter Jacqueline, grandson Anthony, and sister Evelyn. She leaves to cherish her memory: sons Muhammed Ahmed (Charlotte) and Karl Staples, and a granddaughter whom she raised - Karen Woodland (Bryon); grandsons Jamal, Jaleel (April), and Jiar (Shiela) Ahmed, and Kameron Staples; granddaughters Tahirah Ahmed, Kamri, Kamara, and Kayani Staples, and Martha Lee; Also great granddaughters Bria Woodland, Alivia Ahmed and Ayla Ahmed; great grandsons Brandon, Jamison, Mekhi Calvin, Joshua and Zaven Ahmed, and Juan and Zayden Zamores; sisters Elaine Evans and Dorothy Ayers; goddaughters Charlotte Bernhardt and Geraldine Harrell, and a host of other family, friends, and loved ones. To God be the Glory for this Amazing and Wonderful Life.

Elizabeth J. Staples

September 2, 1926 - July 22, 2020