Myrtle Brooks Stanley

It was at Morgan that she met her future husband, Theodore Freeland Stanley, in their chemistry and mathematics classes. Their friendship blossomed into love, and they married in 1949, graduating together two years later. Their union was blessed with three children: Theodora Beatrice, Benjamin, and Jonathan. Together, they instilled in their children the same values of faith, education, and service that had shaped their own lives. Despite her academic achievements, Myrtle faced barriers to employment as a chemist. With resilience and grace, she embraced a new calling in education, becoming an elementary school teacher during a time of teacher shortages. She went on to serve the Baltimore City Public Schools for 25 years as a teacher, team teacher, senior teacher, and curriculum coordinator—an accomplishment she regarded with great pride. During this time, she earned her Master of Science in Elementary Education from Morgan State University in 1972. Her spiritual life deepened when she became a member of St. Ann Roman Catholic Church, where she served as pastoral associate, principal of the Elementary School of Religion, secretary of the parish council, and coordinator of the Prayer Group. Her passion for theology led her to earn a Master of Theology from St. Mary’s Seminary and University in 1987, and she later completed postgraduate coursework at Fordham University between 1989 and 1991. In 1984, Myrtle began a new chapter of ministry as Director of the Office of the Propagation of the Faith for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, where she served until 1995. She was the first layperson in the United States appointed to this position, previously held exclusively by priests. In this role, she directed home and foreign missions, the Holy Childhood Association, and Catholic Relief Services—work that fulfilled her childhood dream of serving the missions. After caring for her husband during his declining health and following his passing on August 6, 2005, Myrtle continued her ministry by coordinating the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church from 1996 to 1999 and later serving as an instructor for the Church Leadership Institute at the Archdiocese of Baltimore until her retirement. Myrtle also founded and coordinated The Sisters in the Struggle, an international group of Christian women dedicated to spiritual growth, prayer, Bible study, and strengthening families and communities through Christian living. She remained its coordinator from 1990 onward, guiding countless women in their walk with God. Myrtle’s service extended beyond the church. She served on the boards of Baltimore Clergy and Laity Concerned, Towson Catholic High School, and Good Samaritan Hospital. She authored plays, including “It’s Your Own Funeral” and “Miracle on 22nd Street”, and remained active in organizations such as the American Association of University Women, the Religious Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, and the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. Myrtle leaves to cherish her memory her son, Benjamin B. Stanley (Elaine); sister, Ruth Young; nephew, Gerard Young (Debi); niece, Elizabeth Mack (Andrew); her in death.

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Myrtle Brooks Stanley

May 13, 1929 - February 6, 2026