Oscar Bernard Stallworth, Jr. (Lansing)

Mr. Oscar Bernard Stallworth, Jr. departed this life and gained his wings when the Most High called him home on Friday, November 5, 2021, at the age of 51. He was born on Saturday, July 18, 1970, in Lansing Michigan. Oscar, affectionately called “Bernie,” was the first-born son of Elise T. Stallworth and Oscar B. Stallworth, Sr.

More spiritual than religious, Oscar was deeply in tune with the presence of the Spirit. A prolific critical and intellectual thinker, he valued spiritual philosophy, loved reading, and expressed a deep interest in the great and powerful legacy of his family, that of the Diaspora and Indigenous Peoples of America. He was a man of the people, a leader in his community, a loved and cherished presence to all that knew him.

Oscar’s childhood was full, vibrant and taught him many lifelong lessons. Equipped with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, he frequently recounted stories about his newspaper routes he ran as a child to make and save his own money. In 1993, he launched Bernie's Lawn Care Service, servicing the Lansing community with landscaping and ground maintenance, enhancing the beauty and care of the area. He served the community with his skills until his passing.

Oscar’s educational experience spanned beyond the walls of academia, but while he traversed on this plane of existence, he attended the historic J.W. Sexton High School, in Lansing, Michigan and graduated with the infamous class of 1988! As a lauded athlete, Oscar was inducted into the Lansing’s Sexton Athletic Hall of Fame in August of 2019, for his performance on the 1987 Sexton High School Wrestling Team. While in pursuit of his diploma, he became a member of the Alpha Esquire Explorer Post #7 and triumphed in victory with his class for back-to-back football championships won by him and his Varsity teammates. Known for his comedy and concern, there was never a dull moment in his presence. He has been notably regarded as the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back, a good listener, a loving and kind friend.

He went on to attend the illustrious Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1988-1992 majoring in mechanical engineering. There, he endeavored to become a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, to live by principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity.

Oscar enjoyed strength and character building hobbies, and used his skills to provide influence to those he served. His martial arts studies led him to become a 2nd degree blackbelt in TaeKwonDo and brown belt in Judo, and his love of strategy and rigorous decision making, led him to develop his passion for the game of chess. Between 1995 - 2000, he honed in on these skills and shared this experience with his son as a Parent Volunteer with the Riddle Chess Club of Lansing. In 1997, he joined the Boy Scouts of America as a Troop leader for Troop 597 and Troop 795 and eventually became Scout Master. His desire to make a positive impact on the generations that succeeded him, provided the impetus for his activity in this role, he was a father to his children and to many boys in the community who joined the troop.

Oscar leaves a legacy of love and treasured memories with his three beloved children, Tajh Stallworth of Oakland, California, Shakera ( Luis A. Laguer III) Hudson-Laguer of Dallas, Texas, and Ahkilah Stallworth of Lansing, Michigan; his adored grandson, Samari Laguer; loving brother, Brett Thomas Stallworth of Lansing, Michigan; loving sister, Karen D. (Eldridge) Carter of Island Lake, Illinois; nephews, Donovan and Garrison Carter of Island Lake, Illinois; uncles, Wallace Blackmon, Sr., Roy (Patsy) Stallworth, Sr. of Mobile, Alabama, Arthur (Geraldine) Stallworth Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Jerry (Cheryl) Stallworth of Conyers, Georgia; aunts: Maxine Stallworth (Alvin) Crawford of Sylacauga, Alabama, and Jerrel Stallworth Grayson of Mobile, Alabama; great-aunt, Dollie Hope of Birmingham, Alabama; many additional nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives including beloved former wife, Karla Brackins, nephew/son, Jordan Brackins, niece Toria Snell, Family Cat, Zeppelin Juniper and friends including cherished friend, Shalone Hudson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Bernard Stallworth, Sr. and Elise T. Stallworth, and grandparents, Clyde and Emma Clifton; and many endeared aunts and uncles.

May the Most High Bless Oscar’s Spirit to Rest in Peace and Rise in Paradise, now and forever more.

Àse & Amen


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