Mrs. Lonia Christine Stapler

On Monday afternoon, Lonia Christine Stapler finished her course here on this earth, at the age of 85. Lonia was a beacon of light to all who knew her. She was strong, kind, patient and selfless. She led by example, and always put others before herself. Her home was always the heart of family gatherings, and with six children, thirteen grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren, her house filled up fast. It was always a given she was to bring her famous homemade banana pudding to any family gatherings. Lonia was an avid gardener, and loved canning her garden’s produce. You could find her on any given Saturday by the water tower in Grant selling her latest canned soup and vegetables. She also loved yard sales - not out of necessity, but because she enjoyed them and found true happiness in working and staying busy. Lonia also loved visiting trade days. She drove a hard bargain, and enjoyed the excitement of finding hidden treasures. A true fan of “Wheel of Fortune,” Lonia rarely missed an episode and enjoyed solving the puzzles alongside the contestants. She never met a word search she couldn’t solve, and spent countless hours immersed in them to keep her mind sharp. But evidently it didn’t work because when she was calling someone by name, she would go through the entire family tree before she actually got it right. Despite her sweet and patient nature, Lonia had a sassy streak, especially when the grandkids were misbehaving. The grandkids knew if Maw Maw called them by their full name or gave them “the look,” they had better straighten up. Everyone who knew Lonia knew she loved cornbread and buttermilk. She also loved crab legs, fish, egg drop soup, and Red Lobster. She had a serious sweet tooth, and was very appreciative of anyone who would take her on a peanut butter milkshake run. Lonia had a passion for traveling. She had a special place in her heart for Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and loved driving through Cades Cove. She was also a dog lover. She had two dogs and named both of them Charlie so she didn’t get their names confused. Lonia valued her faith deeply and was a devoted member of Oak Grove Holiness Church for more than 50 years. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering strength. Though she is no longer with us, her values and memories will continue to inspire and guide her family for generations to come. Left to cherish her memory here are her daughters, Terisa Franks, Brenda Rice (Steve), and Kim Pritchett (Marty); sons, Scottie Stapler and Brad Stapler (Paige); daughter-in-law, Sandra Stapler; grandchildren, Heath Stapler (Stephanie), Eric Stapler (Tiffiany), Casey Blake (Thad), Haley Payne (Mitchell), Jessica Willoughby (Travis), Josh Rice (Chynna), Jasmine Matlock (Jon), Hunter Pritchett, Logan Stapler, Mackenzie Osborne, Trey Stapler, Chance Stapler, and Macy Stapler; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Coulter, Shirley Grubbs, Leona Frank, and Nell Wallingsford; brothers, Freddy Swearengin and Tommy Swearengin; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Lonia was preceded in death by her husband, J.R. Stapler; son, Randy Stapler; son-in-law, Bruce Franks; granddaughter, Ashley Stapler; parents, Grady Swearengin and Cootie Stapler; and siblings, Charles Swearengin, Donald Swearengin, and Peggy Goodson. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 5-8 p.m. at Grant Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends again on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at the Oak Grove Holiness Church from 1-2 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with Bro. Nicky Willmon officiating. Burial will be in the Gunter Mountain Memory Gardens. Arrangements Entrusted to Grant Memorial Chapel

Mrs. Lonia Christine Stapler

March 29, 1939 - May 20, 2024