Lila Mae Bowman Stinson was born a twin on January 12, 1934 to Mary Lee McNelty & Odywise Bowman in Frierson, Louisiana.           

She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport Louisiana. A few years later she met her late husband James D. Stinson in Shreveport Louisiana, he was serving in the U.S. Army at Ft. Lewis Washington. Where she later joined him in marriage. To this union their first child was born Barbara Ann.  

Shortly after, they decided to relocate to Los Angeles California where they had the birth of their second and third addition to the family Michael Davis and Donald James. While raising their family and spending several years in California. Sister Stinson was informed by her husband his calling to the ministry and desire to move back to the state of Washington. She was always ready to support her husband, they step out on faith and moved back to Washington in 1964. Their fourth addition was born that same year Antonio which completed their family.  

In April 1967 18 Christians came together to ask Rev. Stinson to pastor Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. In 1968, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church was officially organized worship service was held at the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Hall (VFW) for 5 years. In 1973 God blessed Sister Stinson to find a church building for Galilee at (5802 So. Puget Sound Ave) where Sister Stinson and Rev. Stinson set the foundation for Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. Their zeal and passion along with dedication to the Lord was something that came   natural to them. Because their love for people they used their personal vehicles to transport families to and from the church until the church was able to purchase a Station Wagon and then a Van.  

During the Church’s earlier years, she was an active in raising funds for the church with her cooking skills in making pound cakes, zucchini bread, cup cakes and cookies for bake sales.  She was there to assist, prepare, cook, and deliver chicken dinners with a smile. While serving as a faithful member of the choir she held office’s as Mission President, Usher Board President, Fund Raiser Chairperson for the penny drive and Mother of the Church.

After forty-two years of pastoring, Rev. & Sis. Stinson were given the formal title of Pastor Emeritus & Emeritus First Lady. On May 31, 2009. She remained a faithful member and Mother of the church until she was no longer able to attend church service. Emeritus First Lady Stinson’s love for the Lord, family, church family and others was the center of her life.

Sis. Stinson was employed with the Pierce County Health Department/Nursing Division for 13 years. She retired in 2006 from the Department of Social Health Services/Division of Child Protective Services. Upon her retirement she focused on enjoying life with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren while she became a foster mother with the Chance Program.

Emeritus First Lady Stinson was proceeded in death by her husband, Emeritus James D. Stinson (59 yrs of marriage), Brother, James Monroe Preston, Sister, Revada Cowthorn, twin sister, Ida Faye Long (Edward Long) and son-in-law, Michael J. Walker.

Sis. Stinson, leaves to mourn daughter Barbara Ann Walker, sons Michael David,  Donald James (Erhan) and Antonio Stinson Sr., Thirteen grandchildren (eight girls and 5 boys), eleven great grandchildren (4 girls and 7 boys) and one great great grandson. Sister, Odessa Anderson of Los Angeles. First cousin, Mitchell White of Los Angeles, sister-friend Hibernia Davis, Galilee Church Family host of extended family and friends.

Services for Mother Lila M Stinson were held Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at Shiloh Baptist 1211 South I Street Tacoma, WA at 11am.

Watch services

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