During a hard-fought battle with cancer for ten years, we are sad to announce the passing of our beloved kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Missy Stancil. But, we rejoice in the knowledge that she is in heaven today with her creator and Lord, Jesus Christ!
Missy Stancil was born on September 15, 1973. She grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, then attended Bible Baptist College where she met her husband, Pastor Mike Stancil, while travelling with a singing group. They were married in 1993 and entered full-time ministry after graduating in 1996. Eventually that ministry brought them to Florida, where Mike co-pastors Life Church of Central Florida with Mr. Eric Groves. Together, Mike and Missy have three children: Beau, Paytin, and M’Leah. Mrs. Stancil joined OCP as a kindergarten teacher in 2013, where she was immediately loved by all her students and fellow teachers. She passed away on September 3, surrounded by family and loved ones in her home. Now she’s in her eternal home, healed and pain free!
Mrs. Stancil will be deeply missed by all of us here at Orlando Christian Prep. When asked for comments and favorite memories, several teachers and students had a lot to say. Mr. Groves’ favorite memory with Missy was at her daughter’s 16th birthday party. He loved how funny and how entertaining the night was. Mr. Schneider’s favorite memory was mentoring with Missy as he got to know her a lot more personally while their classes spent their “buddy time” together. Anna Knight recalls when she and the volleyball were able to raise money for Miss Stancil. Anna described the moment when they were able to present the money to Missy as priceless and an amazing reaction. Mrs. Jacobson had a lot to say, such as how she loved the way Mrs. Stancil was so passionate towards her students and that she was an amazing example of Christ. Mr. Soucie described how she always won the “guestbook challenge” in the book fair, but then would often share her winnings of free books. He also remembers the way Mrs. Stancil loved his son, Corban. She always had a hug for him and treated him - as she treated all her students - like they were the most special student in her class.
Friends at her memorial service shared that while we remember the sweet, smiling Missy, they also had the privilege of growing up with a trickster - the “wicked” and mischievous Missy! All together, we Warriors miss so many things about Mrs. Stancil, but a few things definitely stood out! Several people we interviewed described her laugh, her beautiful smile, her gentleness, her hugs, her love of Jesus, and her amazing passion towards not only her students, but everyone here at Orlando Christian Prep.
