Sarah Delores "Lora" Penn was the fifth of thirteen children born to John Wesley Penn and Beatrice Ann Trees Penn. She married Benjamin James Stafford on 03 April 1899 in Tarrant County, Texas. They were the parents of Charles Alexander "Charlie Red" Stafford and Aletha "Letha" Mae Stafford Tune.

Like so many others, Lora died from tuberculosis. Little daughter Letha was only 2 years & 4 months old & brother Charlie "Red" was 4 years old when Lora passed away. Lora's parents raised them until 1913 when Beatrice "Mammy" died. They then went to live with their father Ben. Letha, at age 12, set up housekeeping for the three of them.
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Remembering Lora....
You never knew me great grandmother. When I look at the only two photos of you, I see such a young girl, still a teenager of 17 years, 5 months and 24 days when you married great grandfather Bennie Stafford. You face was so sweet and beautiful & my heart aches that our grandmother, your only daughter, Aletha Mae Stafford Tune, never knew you. But your mother Beatrice Trees Penn, better known as "Mammy" took such wonderful care of her and your firstborn, son Charlie "Red" Stafford. And while we never met, my heart reaches out to your memory with so much love. You are not forgotten and you will live in my heart forever, until that great and wonderful day we meet. Love, your great granddaughter Gloria

Here's what your aunt Rosalee Penn Cooper wrote about you.

Sarah Delores Penn, Cedar Hill, Texas. Born October 10, 1881; died March 27, 1904
"On one misty cool night on the 10th of October 1881 in the new home nest on Poor Branch something near midnight there was something heard like the cooing of a dove. We all listened and what do you guess; it was a litte light headed angel come to live with us awhile. She seemed to say "Why, hello there folks, this seems like a happy little home nest so I want to take up my abode here". One day the four older birdies were all sitting in the chimney corner naming themselves play names. The oldest bird was Miss Monnie, the next Miss Kady, the next Miss Locky and the 4th was Miss Kady's play baby, so the oldest, Miss Monnie ran in and got the 5th little birdie for her baby and fell down with her and stuck some rocks in her forehead and thought she had killed her. This 5th little birdie was a fine little birdie; she grew to a big bird and flew to her own home nest to only live in it a short time, as her Heavenly Father saw fit to call her home to that Heavenly nest where there is peace, sweet peace, and where there will be a happy reunion without a missing link."

Written by Rosa Lee Penn Cooper and read at the Penn Reunion at Brinkman, Oklahoma, August 11-13, 1930.
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Rest in peace dear one until that day we meet you. Love, Gloria
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Obituary Article by Walter Griffith

"The subject of this sketch Mrs. Lora Stafford, (nee Penn) was born Oct. 10th, 1881, died at the home of her father Mr. J. W. Penn in Silverton March 27th, 1904. Sister Stafford gave her life to God and united with the Methodist Church in 1900 and lived a consistent member until she was called up higher. She had been afflicted with lung trouble for about four months. About six weeks ago she left her home in Dallas Co. and went to Silverton to spend some time with her parents with the hope of regaining her health, and for some time strong hope of her entire recovery was entertained. All was done for her that loving hands and medical skill could do; but God knew best and called her to her reward. She was patient through all her suffering and met death as only a child of God can. She leaves two little children, a heartbroken husband, mother, father and a number of brothers and sisters to mourn her departure; but they weep not as those who have no hope---they will miss her here but they know where to find her.

Her body laid to rest in the Silverton Cemetery, March 28th, 1904"