Stanley Charles Leverett Sr. — Stan — was the kind of person you remembered. Not because he tried to be, but because he was genuinely, completely himself in every room he walked into. His laugh was distinct. His whistle was his own. And his jokes landed because they came from someone who actually found everything funny. That never changed.

THE MAN HE CAME FROM

Born July 22, 1959, to Ulysses and Sarah Leverett. He grew up alongside his brothers and sisters — Keith, Bernard, Cheryl, Gwen, Pam, and Kevin — a large family he loved without condition for the rest of his life.

HIS HANDS, HIS WORK, HIS VISION

Stan's relationship with cars began early and never loosened its grip. He spent his life learning them, working on them, and eventually building something of his own in that world. It was never just a living. It was a genuine love.

THE FATHER HE WAS

At 27, Stan married Kathleen Marie Ahrens. Together they raised three children — Carrie, Stanley Jr., and Lauren. He told his kids "you were born for greatness" — not as encouragement, but as fact. He said "I love you" often, because he believed love should be spoken out loud.

He became a grandfather to Mahalia, Langston, and Malcolm Bell, and to Leon, Cora, and Phoebe Brennan. A seventh grandchild — a baby girl — is expected in the fall of 2026. Stan was elated knowing his son Stanley Jr. would have his first child, a joy he carried with him in his final days.

THE WORLD HE MOVED THROUGH

Stan loved the outdoors — fishing, boating, camping. He traveled to Belize, Paris, Italy, and Greece, always with the curiosity of someone who believed the world had more to show him. He attended the Million Man March. He dabbled in guitar and harmonica. His kids remember rides through Saint Clair Shores, windows down, smooth jazz from V98.7. "Just sit back and ride."

HIS FAITH

His faith was the foundation beneath everything else. He found church community wherever he lived — Jefferson Presbyterian, Hope Community Church, Grace Community Church in Michigan, and St. Peter's in Winston-Salem. Kirk Franklin was a constant. He raised his children to do the same. "Stay prayed up" — he said it like a farewell, like a blessing, like the most practical advice he knew.

THE WAY HE WAS WITH PEOPLE

Stan was not performing warmth. He was actually curious about everyone he met. People felt it, which is why strangers became friends and brief conversations became something people held onto. He had a smile that arrived without warning and changed the feeling of whatever room he was in. He watched Coming to America more times than anyone counted and laughed every single time like it was new. He had strong feelings about Pepsi.

HIS LEGACY

He raised children who say "I love you" because he did. He raised children who find humor in hard moments because he showed them it was possible. That is how a father lives on.

"Unforgettable — that's what he was. That's what he remains."

HE LEAVES BEHIND:

Preceded in death by his father Ulysses, mother Sarah, brother Keith, and niece Amber.

Survived by his children Carrie Grant Bell (Moses), Stanley Charles Leverett Jr. (Chelsea), and Lauren Elizabeth Brennan (Sam); grandchildren Mahalia, Langston, Malcolm, Leon, Cora, Phoebe, and baby girl; siblings Bernard, Cheryl, Gwen, Pam, and Kevin; former wife Kathleen; and a host of nieces, nephews, and people who are better for having known him.

Stanley Charles Leverett Sr. | July 22, 1959 – May 9, 2026

Funeral Service: Tuesay May 19, at 12:00 Friendship Baptist Church burial will follow in South Lexington City Cemetery. Family will receive friends 613 Kildee Drive and one hour prior to funeral service.