Stella Baptiste was born in the town of Dinsley Village Tacarigua in Trinidad, West Indies, to Alexander John and Lillian Jones John. Even though Stella never had a formal education, she was the smartest person we knew, and had a memory that rivaled that of an elephant—we learned quickly to never try to argue with her.
She learned by reading, observing, going places, and just by having ongoing conversations. Brought up in religion, she was a member of Saint Philomena Spiritual Baptist Church, and continued to practice and stand strong in her beliefs.
Stella always worked hard to take care of her family inside and outside the home and had a work ethic that rivaled none. She loved watching programs such as Price is Right and Let’s Make a Deal, the Food Channel, comedies, and anything else that she found interesting. She loved travelling to new places, had a wicked sense of humor, and would shock us constantly.
Her favorite two phrases were, “Oh well” and “Whatcha gon do”, which shut down whatever you wanted to continue saying. She loved cooking and her food would always make you go back for seconds and thirds. Stella’s absolute favorite pastime; however, was doing her Word Search book in hard copy, and on her tablet which she learned to maneuver only a short time ago. She sang beautifully and could also shake those hips like no one else.
She was Ma, Grandma, Oatmeal Grandma, Grams, Granny, and Great Grandma to her blood family and to others she met throughout her life’s journey. Not only did she enjoy taking care of her family but was quick to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She was a “Mama Bear” who fiercely loved and protected her family.
Stella leaves behind to celebrate her life, a loving family: three sisters, Effie Copeland, Alfremin John Joseph, and Julia John Francis, and one brother, Nathan John. Children: Kathleen G. Barriere, Gwendolyn W. Baptiste, Verna I. Wheeler, Derrick M. Baptiste, Yvette P. Baptiste, and Eric P. Baptiste; countless grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Alexander and Lillian (Ma), Ruth Jones (Mammie), her brother Conrad Scindian (Faddy), and sister Sandrine John.
Stella, this amazing woman who was our Queen, will be truly missed.
