Reba Iona Stanley

In Loving Memory of Reba Iona Canter Stanley

June 28, 1939 – September 19, 2026

Reba Iona Canter Stanley, age 87, of Zionville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her residence on September 19, 2026.

Reba was born on June 28, 1939, in Todd, North Carolina, to the late Arvil Dellet Canter and Lillie Grace Hodgson.

To know Reba was to know her smile. She had a way of making people feel welcome, loved, and cared for. She was always ready with a joke or a little something to keep everyone on their toes, and she truly loved making people laugh. Reba had a heart of gold and spent her life caring for others in ways both big and small.

She was a hardworking woman who worked well into her later years, continuing to work until she was 83 years old. Her very first job was at a donut shop, and throughout her life she worked in several factories and also did custodial work. The work she cherished most was taking care of others. She took great pride in being a housekeeper and making sure the people around her were cared for. Retirement never really changed that part of Reba. Even after she stopped working, she continued looking after anyone who crossed her path.

Reba had many things she loved. She had a special love for Christmas, flowers, bluegrass music, and making crafts with her husband, Stan. Most of all, she treasured her family and her church family. The time she spent surrounded by the people she loved was precious to her.

Reba leaves behind her children, Dean Stanley, Kim Stanley, and Kerry Stanley; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind countless friends, loved ones, and members of her church family whose lives were touched by her kindness and laughter.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stan Stanley, as well as all of her siblings: sisters Emer Rash, Nancy Trivette, Vera Lee Calhoun, Nellene Grogan, and Pauline Eller; and brothers Horton Canter, who passed away in infancy, Fred Canter, Joe Canter, and James Canter.

The family would like to give a very special thank you to Brenda Combs, Reba’s niece and caregiver, for the love, patience, and devoted care she gave Reba. The family also extends their heartfelt gratitude to Reba’s Hospice Team for their compassion and support. A special thank you is also extended to her dear friends Rick, Joanne, and Lenoir, along with the many family members and loved ones who continued to surround Reba with love and support.

Reba’s greatest gift was the love she gave to others. She spent her life taking care of people, making them smile, sharing a laugh, and reminding those around her that even the smallest acts of kindness matter. Her smile, her jokes, her caring spirit, and her heart of gold will be deeply missed.

A memorial service for Reba will be conducted at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Hux & Lipford Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends from 4:30 - 5:00 prior to the service. 

“Her love lives on in every heart she touched.”

Online condolences and memories may be sent to the family through our website at www.huxlipfordfh.com.

Hux & Lipford Funeral Home 300 W. Main Street, Mountain City, Tennessee is honored to serve the family of Reba Iona Stanley.