As a man of faith, focus, determination, and compassion, Dr. Stakley sought to root himself in The Word, guide his family with a Godly vision, and serve his patients with wise medical counsel.  His seemingly supernatural counsel was usually mixed in with his trade-mark good humor. From humble beginnings to a life of privilege and prosperity, Dr. Stakley’s time on this earth evidences a life well-lived.  He leaves a legacy of which he and all who knew him can be proud. Ultimately, to echo the words of a good friend, the world is a better place because of Dr. Stakley.

Besides the Lord, his wife, and his children, one of Dr. Stakley’s greatest loves was practicing medicine.  He sought to imprint his vision of medicine, which was treating the whole person: mind, body and spirit.  He understood God did the healing and he was the vessel. From 1976 when he purchased a thriving medical practice until only a few weeks before his passing, he did what he loved and God gifted him to do.  As a result—the sick were healed, the lame walked, and many people came to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.  These gave Dr. Stakley great joy and fulfillment. 

Soon after they were married the Stakleys joined Crenshaw Christian Center where they became active members and regular attendees. Dr. Stakley served as a member of the Executive Board of Crenshaw Christian Center for 32 years, until July of 2013 when he voluntarily resigned. He was subsequently honored for his years of service. 

By this time divorced, Dr. Stakley figured he would begin his life anew: a new Mercedes, a bachelor pad, and a little money in the bank. The Lord had different plans, and a seemingly chance encounter with a stunning nurse named Cynthia, would forever change his life. Within 3 of weeks of meeting, the two were to be engaged to marry if Steven, Cynthia’s 7 year-old son, would agree.  The first of many great trades, Steven offered his mom for a dog and a remote-control TV. Realizing he was getting the best of the bargain Alfonza quickly accepted the deal.  After the purchase of the dog and color TV, July of 1977 Cynthia and Alfonza were married in a beautiful ceremony at The Beverly Hills Hilton.

Alfonza completed high school in Detroit, and then moved to Washington, DC where he continued his education, married and joined the U.S. Army to support his wife and soon-to-be born daughter, Sydney.  He followed in the footsteps of his older brother James and fulfilled one of his life-long dreams by earning his Doctor of Medicine degree from Howard University.

In November of 1939 Alfonza Stakley was born to James and Marie Stakley in Sebring, Florida.  James, Sr., enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and was shipped off to World War II leaving his wife and young sons.  He was subsequently killed during the war.  The young, widowed Marie took her 4 young sons to Atmore, Alabama where her family could look after them, and she headed north to Detroit,Michigan to forge her way.  Eventually, each of the sons would leave Atmore headed to Detroit to reunite with their mother, who by then had 3 more sons. There were seven Stakley brothers altogether.