GREENVILLE – Barbara J. Mayes Stanley, 88 of Greenville, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the home of her daughter and son in law, Angel and Monte Taylor of Hazel, Ky. Born December 20, 1936, to Mossie and Jessie Mayes of Belton. She was united in marriage to William Rufus Stanley October 10, 1952, and they shared 25 years together until his passing in October 1977. Through their marriage, they raised a loving family that has since grown through many generations. She proudly ran a trash route in Greenville for over 40 years. She dearly loved her customers she met over the years. Barbara was a beloved mother who found joy in the simple, beautiful things in life. She loved working in her garden—watching it grow, sharpening her tools, and teaching others how to tend to it with care. She enjoyed canning the fruits of her labor and was happiest when she could share her knowledge and stories while talking with folks.
arbara’s life was a testament to love, devotion, and family. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, the wisdom she passed down, and the deep pride she carried in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
he is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Mr. William Rufus Stanley, Mr. Robert Stone and Mr. Clinton Chandler; sons, William T. Stanley and Rufus Glenn Stanley; daughters, Brenda Jackson and Elizabeth “Mrs. Bea” Cornett; brothers, Jay, Frankie, Henry, Georgie, Buil Mayes; sisters, Vertie Wells, Betty Mayes, Corine Koonce and Roberta Coloma; grandchildren, Meredith Polson and Dylan Willis; great granddaughter, Summer Vick.
hose left to cherish many wonderful memories include her daughters, Brooksie Dukes (Mike) of Greenville, Jeannette O’Conner (Mike) of Dixon, Ky., Connie Slaughter (Jace) of Columbia, Ky., Cindy Polson of Jenks, Okla., Angel Darlene Taylor (Monte) of Hazel, Ky., Lisa Willis (Brian) of Columbia, Ky.; grandchildren, Bobby Jackson, Jr., Amanda Jackson, Diane Foster, Denise Vick, Donavin Stanley, Dewayne Scott Stanley, Christopher Cornett, Joshua Cornett, Jonathan Dukes, Jill Wise, Caitlyn Polson, Derek Willis and more great grandchildren than we can count. Also surviving are her sisters, Myrtle Curtis of Gary, Ind., Jewel Stanley of Greenville, Rosie Eden of Henderson, Ky. and one brother, Truman Mayes of Henderson, Ky..
he funeral service honoring the life of Mrs. Barbara J. Mayes Stanley is set for 2 p.m. Friday, September 26, 2025 at Gary’s Funeral Home in Greenville, KY. Burial will follow at Yeargins Chapel Cemetery. Her family welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. until the funeral hour Friday, September 26, 2025 at the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to garysfuneralhome.com
pecial thanks to Wally and Ruthann Taylor, Mike and Keri Cornett, and Connie Lennox
