Stancie Ley

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Stancie Diane Schwenker Ley on July 20, 2024. Born on September 22, 1959, in Taylor, Texas, Stancie blessed this world for 64 beautiful years, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her before peacefully departing for heaven.

Stancie began her journey in Taylor, Texas, where she attended Taylor High School. She was very involved at Taylor High School as a cheerleader, clarinet player in the band, and excelling in tennis. Her academic pursuits led her to The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. She was the president of the UT Texas Spirits, which raised awareness for sports and campus events. Stancie was also a member of Bevo Babes, which supported various sports teams at The University of Texas. She practiced pharmacy for over a decade, and she kept her license active to this very day. While she enjoyed the profession, she eventually transitioned to her true passion of teaching, allowing her to impact lives in a more personal and profound way. She dedicated over 18 years of her life to Jackson Academy, serving as a physics teacher, where she became a beloved mentor and inspiration to countless students. Stancie’s influence extended well beyond the classroom, touching the lives not only of her treasured family but also her numerous friends and colleagues. 

Stancie was a beacon of light, known for her creativity, wisdom, leadership, and immense empathy. A woman of deep faith, Stancie diligently studied scripture, shared the Gospel, and so easily shared her faith with others. She was a dedicated churchgoer, prayer warrior, and the biggest cheerleader for her daughters, grandchildren, family, friends, and students. Her faith was unshakeable, and she shared her love for Jesus openly, influencing many lives through her example. She truly wanted to know people, making them feel seen, loved and heard.

Stancie was a dedicated and loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, sister-in-law, teacher and friend. Stancie’s family meant the world to her. She leaves behind her three daughters: Kristen Ley Allen (son-in-law Bill Allen and grandchild William Allen of Jackson, MS), Jennifer Ley Kirschten (son-in-law Michael Kirschten and grandchildren Lukas, Grayson, and Emery Kirschten of Wheeling, WV), and Michelle Ley Gobbell (son-in-law Will Gobbell of Nashville, TN). She is also survived by her sister, Susan Schwenker, and brother-in-law, Don Sawatzky of Addison, Texas, as well as her beloved partner, Scott Casey of Taylor, Texas.

A visitation will be held in Brandon, Mississippi, on Tuesday, July 30, from 1 pm to 3 pm, with a service to follow at 3 pm at Pinelake Church Reservoir campus / Venue building. Following Pinelake, a funeral service will be held in Taylor, Texas on Friday, August 2 at Saint Paul Lutheran Church. The visitation will begin at 1 pm, with a service to follow at 2 pm. Following the service, she will be laid to rest next to her loving parents, Stanley and Frances Schwenker, and sister, Sharon Schwenker, at the Taylor City Cemetery.

Stancie loved flowers dearly, but she also had a passion for supporting and encouraging children to know Jesus. In addition to sending flowers, we ask that you consider donating in memory of Stancie Ley to the 56 and 78 Camps, a part of the Pinelake Student Scholarship Fund at Pinelake Church. No child has ever been turned away from these camps for financial reasons, relying on donations to fund their camp experience. These camps help children leave with a deeper understanding of the gospel of Christ and a stronger relationship with our Lord and Savior. Donations can be made at: https://bit.ly/stancieley

Hug your loved ones tightly, for life is fragile and fleeting. Stancie’s life, legacy, and passing will undoubtedly bring many closer to faith, just as she would have wanted. Rest in peace, Stancie. You are dearly loved and deeply missed. We will carry your spirit with us until we meet again.