H osea Stanford, of Rockford departed this earthly life November 22, 2021 in his home. He was born March 8, 1928 in Camden, Mississippi the son of John Iverson Stanford and Lizzie Nichols Stanford. Hose lived in Rockford since 1953 after his discharge from Military Service.  He was employed as a Building Engineer by the Rockford Public School 28 years and was the owner and operator of the Jazbah Night Club from 1970 to 1979.  He married the former Shirley Ponds, June 14, 1958 in Rockford. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army  serving in the Korean Conflict, stationed in Germany with Occupation Forces. Hosea was a faithful member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church since 1953, formerly serving as an Usher and Trustee. He was a 50 year member of the American Legion Post #340 department of Illinois. Hosea was a Master Mason and member of the Welcome Star Lodge #36 PHA F&AM. He was a long time member of the NAACP and loyal supporter of the United Negro College Fund.

H osea leaves to cherish many loving memories, his devoted wife of 63 years, Shirley Stanford; daughters, Lolita (J. Michael) Morrison and Sylvia A. Stanford; son, Sterling P. Stanford; four grandchildren, Cedric Marks, Tori Marks, Jared Morrison and Sydnee Stanford; three great grandchildren; Jaylee, Camilla and Catalina Marks; sister Catherine Singleton; a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends including goddaughter,  Dominique Brown. He was predeceased by his parents; two grandsons, John Morrison Jr. and Jamal Morrison; two brothers, including John H. Stanford; five sisters; brother in Christ and best friends John and Dorothy Thompson, who played a special part in his life.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church 3000 Rural St. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.