Stanley Louise Burford's Obituary
Stanley L. Burford, 89, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025.
Born in Martinsville, Indiana, Stanley was a lifelong artist, as well as a teacher, mother, and grandmother whose warmth, generosity, and creative spirit touched all who knew her. She attended Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, where she met the love of her life, Jim Burford. They were married for over 40 years until Jim’s passing in 2000.
Stanley earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Fine Arts from the John Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, where she later became a beloved professor of fine arts until her retirement in 2000. Early in her career, she also taught art at Tudor Hall, before it became Park Tudor School.
Stanley found inspiration in nature, particularly the ocean, which deeply influenced her creative work. As an accomplished and award-winning artist, she exhibited in numerous juried shows and earned recognition for her unique vision and style. Her passion for the sea led her to become a scuba diver, a pursuit that deepened her artistic connection with water and also led to many lasting friendships with fellow divers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis Farley and Ruth Myers; her brother, Nick Farley; her husband, Jim Burford; and her daughter, Christine Lundsten.
Stanley is survived by her devoted daughter, Lynn Burford (Paul Finegan); and her cherished triplet granddaughters Laura, Marissa, and Vanessa Lundsten—whom she deeply believed in and loved with all her heart.
Stanley’s legacy lives on not only through her art but through the many students she mentored and inspired—some of whom followed in her footsteps to become accomplished artists and teachers, themselves. She will be remembered for her infinite kindness, nurturing encouragement, and deep belief in creative freedom.
She was a beautiful soul—gentle, nonjudgmental, and full of light—and she will be sorely missed.
There will be no service for Stanley, but please share messages for the family here.
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