Uncle Victor, he was never far from my Aunt Thelma with loving attention. It will always Aunt Thelma and Uncle Victor; times i had to refer to them both as one. He was kind, thoughtful and always had pleasant face….until he had to correct us younger ones😁 then that smile disappeared but only for that moment. He was engaging and entertaining. Witty and good sense of humor. He was a gentleman. That was our uncle, our Aunt’s husband. He helped to set that standard for what his nieces ought to look for in a husband. 

I know he is with his heavenly Father, a thought that can only bring my Aunt and my cousins comfort in the midst of grief.

To Missionary Thelma Stanley, the Immediate Family, and the Brethren of Bethel Apostolic Church, Leeds

From Elder Donovan and Minister Delores Modest

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to you, Missionary Thelma Stanley, your family, and the saints of Bethel Apostolic Church, Leeds, on the passing of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, and pastor—Elder Victor Stanley.

We thank God for the life of a humble, faithful, and devoted servant of the Lord. Elder Stanley was a man of integrity, gentle in spirit, and deeply committed to the ministry. It was our privilege to know him over many years. His unwavering support, godly character, and consistent service have left a lasting impression on our hearts.

Elder Stanley served Bethel District 3’s Pastoral Board with wisdom, sincerity, and grace. His counsel and contributions were deeply appreciated, and he played a vital role in strengthening the district.

We are especially grateful for the times he came to pray with us and support the early work of the church plant in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. His presence, encouragement, and selfless service during those formative days meant more than words can express. He sought no recognition—only to advance the work of God’s Kingdom.

Though his absence is deeply felt, we rejoice in the hope that he has entered into eternal rest. May the peace of God be your strength and comfort during this time.

Praying that God will give you peace and strength

Elder Donovan & Minister Delores Modest

Our Sincere Condolences to Missionary Thelma Stanley, Family, and the Saints of Bethel Apostolic Church, Leeds

From Pastor Webster Modest, Minister Merl Modest, and the Brethren of Bethel Church, Sheffield

To our dearly beloved family in Christ,

Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

On behalf of the entire Bethel Sheffield family, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of our dear brother, Elder Victor Stanley. We are deeply saddened by this great loss and join you in mourning a truly faithful servant of God.

Pastor Stanley was a man of deep humility, unwavering commitment, and sincere love for the work of the Kingdom. He carried himself with quiet strength, always pointing others to Christ. His words, life, and ministry made a lasting impact on all who knew him. As the Scripture says, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15). He truly embodied this calling.

Though our hearts grieve, we find comfort in the Word of God: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15), and “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

To his dear wife, family, and the saints at Bethel Leeds—we want you to know we are praying for you. May the peace of God be your strength, and may His everlasting arms uphold you in the days ahead.

With all our love and heartfelt sympathy,

Pastor Webster Modest, Minister Merl Modest, and the brethren of Bethel Church, Sheffield

A TRIBUTE TO PASTOR VICTOR JONATHAN STANLEY: A HUMBLE FRIEND PAR EXCELLENCE.

BY

Lawrence Onyeji

A colleague introduced Pastor Victor Jonathan Stanley to me as a driving instructor. Before I resumed driving lessons with him, I coioncidentally met three other friends whom Pastor Stanley trained. All of them gave excellent commendations about Pastor Victor Jonathan Stanley. This gave me confidence that I will be trained by one of the most qualified and experienced drivering instructors.

On our first driving lesson, in less than 10 minutes of our meeting, we were discussing and interacting like long-time friends. I blended easily with him, not as a teacher-student relationship, but as friends, colleagues in life-pursuits, and family experiences. These depicted his being accessible and accomodative. Most importantly, we became cleaved and knitted together by the love of Christ. This portrays him as a pastor indeed.

Pastor Victor Jonathan Stanley was a modest, honest, compassionate, and trustworthy person. A man who is ever ready to unconditionally lend a helping hand  no matter cost. A man who fears God with integrity as his watchword. He was a rare man whose impacts many (like me) will surely miss.

Although Pastor Victor Jonathan Stanley has graciously gone home, his legacies will live with us forever. I wish him farewell until we meet to part no more with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Adieu, my driving instructor.

Adieu, my humble friend.

Adieu, a rare man.

Adieu, my pastor.

REST IN PEACE PASTOR VICTOR JONATHAN STANLEY 🙏

my tribute is my last letter to you grandad.

thank you everything you’ve ever done for me. thank you for all the laughs you’ve given me, everything you’ve taught me over the years and all of the known and unknown prayers you’ve prayed for me. you have helped me shape me into who i am today and who i want to be in the future. i genuinely hope i make you as proud of me as i have always been of you. i look up to the person that you have always been and i couldn’t ask for a better role model. i’m happy that you get to be with your bestfriend, but i’m sad that you aren’t with us. if there was ever anyone i was sure was going to heaven, it’s you. thank you for always putting on a brave face for all of us, even though you’ve struggled through the years. you’re always in my heart. i love you so much grandad.

To Mother Stanley and Family, 

My condolences to you at this time of bereavement. Pastor Stanley was truly an example of Holiness. Over the years of knowing him it did not go unnoticed his loyalty and faithfulness towards Pastor Parris and The Leeds Church. On many occasions I had the privilege to witness him lift up tearful and heartfelt prayers on behalf of the saints when we went to The Leeds Church or when he came to The Manchester Church- it was truly moving. I will never forget his approach to His God in prayer. 

Mother Stanley, Richard, Phillip, Sandra and Church Family, May you take comfort in The Lord at the time knowing that Pastor Stanley has fought a good fight and had kept the faith. 

God Bless You 

Missionary Josephine- Manchester 

To the Stanley family:

I was sorry to hear of the passing of our beloved Elder Stanley.  He will be greatly missed by all of us. He was a loving and caring Pastor and friend, and he made great contributions to the work of the Lord.  He served the Lord quietly and did not seek the glory of men, rather he did what God required, "...to do justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with his God" (Micah 6:8).

As a family, your grief will be great because a husband, father, and grandfather, is no longer present with you, but there is hope because Elder Stanley has gone to be with his heavenly Father.  In the great triumphant morning, we shall meet again, because the dead in Christ shall rise to spend eternity with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Be encouraged, dear family, Jesus the good Shepherd, will take care of you. He will be your strength and comfort, and he will never leave you alone.

We are praying for you all. 

Overseer Joy Henry and brethren

Stoke on Trent

Dear Missionary Stanley and family,

Our hearts are heavy with you in this time of deep loss. Pastor Victor Stanley was a faithful servant, who has fought a good fight, kept the faith, finished his course and has now been called home to glory.

As we remember this man of God, we also honor you, Missionary Stanley, for standing beside him in ministry with strength and grace. May the Word of God bring you peace in this season:

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalm‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬ ‭(KJV‬‬)

We stand with you in prayer and love, trusting God to comfort and uphold you.

With deepest sympathy


Pastor Dean, Sis Hannah & all brethren at The Well (Bethel)

I was so sorry to hear about Pastor Victor Stanley's passing. He was such a  faithful and kind gentleman.

Whenever or wherever I saw him, he always had smile and kind word to share.

I believe that he is resting safely in the presence of the Lord and we will see him at that day. Sleep on beloved pastor.

Love and prayers to the family and brethren in Jesus Name. 

Leeds CJCA

A tribute from George Crawford for dad... 

Victor and I go back a very long way. As far back as I can remember. One memory that stands out is when I became a qualified driving instructor. At the time, I thought I was the only Black instructor in Leeds, and the idea of being the only one didn’t sit well with me.

One day, while I was on Harehills Avenue, I saw my friend Victor—whom I’ve always called by his last name, Stanley. He said to me, “Teach me to do this thing, no man.” I said, “Sure.” I said it so quickly he didn’t believe me at first, but I assured him I was serious. And because we were friends, he knew I wasn’t joking.

He was on holiday at the time, but he cut his holiday short and came back. I taught him until he became a qualified instructor himself, and he went on to enjoy many successful years in the profession.

I also remember the time we worked together as ministers, conducting a funeral. That was a special moment.

Stanley was like a brother to me. When I heard of his death, it hit me very hard. But I know he was a good child of God, and I believe he is now with his Lord.

Rest in peace, my friend. I love you. Your family loves you. But Jesus loves you best.

George Crawford

Blessings, 

Some folks carry a warm flame as they journey through this life.

Such was what Pastor Victor Stanley emitted.

I remember during pandemic when the then Northern District of churches came together to have online children's Sunday school.  Pastor Stanley would join us every Sunday morning,  without fail. This was months before he was officially asked by Bishop Miller to monitor the Sunday school. 

It was clear he loved being with the children. He  was lovely,  never imposing,  we would often greet him and invite him to say something. 

He would praise our efforts and even mention how lovely our powerpoints were. 

His warm smile, patience and humility so rare will be missed.  

Heavens gain...my prayers are with Lady Stanley, the immediate family and the Leeds church. 

May you feel the loving embrace of the masters arms and his strength be yours in this difficult season. 

Love.

Sis Karen Scott-Carter 

To Sis Stanley and the family ,

Please accept our sincere condolences.  another General has graduated to Glory.

Elder Stanley was such a humble , unassuming person , so gentle natured and supportive .

He was a pastor that took his calling very seriously . He believed in both the pulpit and pew ministry.  He was a servant that  led by example, his work ethic was admirable even through his illness . His commitment to the Northern District  youth team was unwavering. He was often a silent listener  in our meetings and prayer calls, trusting us to lead but covering us with his presence.

We worked very closely setting up the District Safeguarding team.  Elder Stanley was always supportive and eager to  advance his learning in this subject .

Your presence will be greatly missed , you have left an indelible mark in our lives . You will never be forgotten.

God bless

Sharon & Robert Laird 

My condolences to the family 

I just love Minister Stanley for the true man of God that he was. Sincere, humble and always had an encouraging word to me out of the house of the Lord. He will definitely be missed.

Carrol 🙏🏼

To Sis Stanley , Philip , Richard and Sandra may I offer you my sincere condolences.

I spent two years in Leeds in the 80s . Elder Stanley , Sis Stanley , Philip , Richard and Sandra throughout my time there made me welcome in their home and looked out for me . I purchased a car whilst living there , Elder Stanley left his home and took me to look over the car . One weekend feeling a little homesick and a last minute car hire fell thru …. Yes Elder and Mum Stanley gave me their brand new car allowing me to drive to Coventry and visit my folks. 

To the Stanley family I’ll never , I mean never forget your kindness . Also one of the calmest men I know ….Elder Victor Stanley RIEP

It's with gratitude that I pay tribute to Pastor Stanley, a true servant of God, a devoted husband to our beloved Missionary Stanley, and a pillar in the faith community.

Pastor Stanley, along with Missionary Stanley, are two of the most dedicated people I have ever had the privilege to know. Their consistent encouragement, their unwavering faith, and sincere love have been a blessing to me and my entire family over the years. Whether ministering or simply joining in worship with the brethren, every visit to Leeds was made special by their hospitality, warmth, and all the laughter we have shared.

There are so many cherished memories, but one that always brings a smile to my face is from shortly after I passed my driving test. I was attending a district meeting in Leeds and thought I had found a good parking spot in a nearby alleyway: music blaring, engine running, when suddenly, Pastor Stanley appeared at my passenger window.

“Praise the Lord, Pastor Stanley!” I greeted him enthusiastically.

With his calm but unmistakable tone, he said, “Sister Latoya, I cannot believe what I have just seen.”

I asked if I wasn’t allowed to park there, and he gently informed me that my car could be towed if I left it. Not only did he correct me, but he helped me find a proper parking spot, and even guided me into it, right beside his own car. At the time, I had no idea Pastor Stanley was a driving instructor! I just thought, “Wow, Pastor really takes parking seriously!”

Later, I shared the story with Missionary Stanley, and she laughed before saying, “Well, you know he’s a driving instructor, don’t you?” That revelation brought so much clarity, and even more laughter when I caught up with him again. He smiled and simply said, “You never know who is watching.”

That moment captures so much of who Pastor Stanley was: attentive, kind, wise, and always ready to guide, whether in parking or any way he could help.

District 3 will never be the same without him. He was a man of integrity, a leader full of compassion, and an all-round wonderful person. But we take comfort in knowing that God has called him to a higher purpose. He has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

To Missionary Stanley, Richard, Philip, Sandra, and the wider family, please accept heartfelt condolences from mom, Sister Brenda Foster, myself, and our entire family. Our love and prayers are with you always.

To the Leeds assembly: such a beautiful group of people who have always exemplified love and care for God's people, may God continue to strengthen you, comfort you, and hold you up during this time. He holds tomorrow, and He will never let you down.

With all my love,

Sister Latoya

To mother Stanley, children and the entire Leeds church family we would like to extend our love and support to you regarding Pastor Stanley a great man of God we loved him dearly 

I remember when he asked my husband Deacon Paul Gocan and myself to attend the church in Leeds we had a wonderful day in his presence he asked Deacon Paul to preach and requested that I sing a song and I remember he played the music to this song to the glory of God, he then gave us a personalised tour of the beautiful church in Leeds showing us the beautiful renovations and splendour of the church 

After the service ended we were invited to his beautiful home where his wonderful and devoted wife provided us with a delightful meal 

We had such a lovely time with this wonderful youthful couple that we did not want to leave their presence

I kept calling pastor Stanley (pastor Stanley)

He kept asking me why do you keep calling me Pastor Stanley I said because you are a pastor! Pastor Stanley - he laughed and laughed and laughed 

He then said when I get to Kelvin way I am

Going to line up you and your sisters because I keep getting you all mixed up

We had an amazing time with him and his dearly beloved wife that day I was in awe of them both 

Love and best wishes to you mum Stanley and the children May his beloved soul rest in peace 

From Deacon Paul and sister Sandra Gocan 

Dear Mother Stanley and Children and Church Family,

We were so sorry to hear of the passing of this wonderful, kind, gentle, man of God.

He is absent from us and this brings separation and pain, but be reassured that Pastor Stanley who laboured so long and so hard,  is now present with the LORD, resting sweetly in the arms of His Saviour. We pray peace and comfort over the Stanley Family and Pastoral Family, and we will continue to keep you in our prayers.

Psalm 116:15 KJV: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Be of good courage by God’s Grace and by God’s strength, in Jesus’ name.

Love,  Lead Officer Minister Jo Earle, and Minister Michael Earle, and the Precious Saints of Bethel Cardiff, South Wales 

A Tribute in Honour of Pastor Victor Jonathan Stanley

On Behalf of the Leadership and Congregation of Bethel New Life Apostolic Church, Coventry we join in heartfelt remembrance and honour of a faithful servant of the Lord, Pastor Victor Stanley, who has been called home to glory.

Pastor Stanley was a man of unwavering conviction, deep humility and steadfast love for God and His people. As the Pastor of Bethel Leeds, he poured his life into the ministry, faithfully shepherding the flock entrusted to him with compassion, wisdom and integrity. His exhortation was marked by sound doctrine and a heart that beat for the truth of God’s Word, rightly dividing it with power and grace.

He led not only with words, but with example walking humbly, serving consistently and loving unconditionally. Whether in the pulpit, at the altar, or in quiet counsel, Pastor Stanley carried the spirit of Christ with dignity and gentleness.

Though we mourn his passing, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. For we know that he now rests from his labour and his works do follow him. As Paul declared, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Pastor Stanley has entered into the joy of his Lord.

We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family, the Bethel Leeds church and all who have been impacted by his life and ministry. May the God of all comfort surround you with peace, strength and blessed assurance during this time.

Pastor Stanley has fought a good fight, he has finished his course, he has kept the faith and henceforth, there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

With love and honour,


Pastor Andrae Codner and the Saints at Bethel New Life Apostolic Church, Coventry.