Freeman Stamper

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Charles Freeman Stamper
07 Jul 1945 - 22 Oct 2023
AKA Steffany
AKA Mama Jo Bradley, The Bradley Family

Clubs & Associations

Finest City Squares (Honorary Member)
Heads to the Center
Squares Across the Border (Honorary Member)
Western Star Dancers

Quick Facts

Media Features

Service

Golden Boot Award

In 1989, Ken Pollack presented Freeman with the Golden Boot Award.
In 1990, Freeman presented the award to Karl Jaeckel.

Medallion Dancer

Obituary

Charles "Freeman" Stamper was born on July 7, 1945 in Columbia, LA. He was the son of Andrew Stamper and Lena Belle Watson. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Leeman and sister Merlene. He received his Bachelor's Degree from NLSC(ULM) in Secretarial Science/Office Administration in 1968; top honor graduate in the School of Business. Freeman entered the Army, achieved the Rank of E-5 and served his duty in the Pentagon, and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He served as an executive secretary to prestigious law firms in DC and CA and managed wealth for personal families.

Mr. Stamper was a philanthropist and received numerous awards for his interest and care of others, especially ULM Students, Faculty and Staff. Included in those awards are the Kitty Degree Bell Tower Honor Roll, the George T. Walker Society, The Warhawk Ambassador Award and the Hall of Distinction Award. He is currently nominated to receive the George T. Walker Life Time Achievement Award, which has not been given since 2015. With his gifts, the University will benefit from his generosity for many years to come. Freeman could often be seen on campus attending athletic events, VAPA concerts and performances, ULM Foundation and just about every alumni association event. His presence was ubiquitous; he will be greatly missed.

Freeman is survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara; nephews, Michael and Tommy; niece, Linda; many cousins; friends, Korbin and Allen. Also, life-time friends Thomas Tripp and Barry Delcambre, who have been instrumental in his end-of-life processes, and the life and death Gatekeepers of his remains, Frank and Janet Grabowski of Port Carbon, PA. His Pet Peeve was people who would not return their shopping carts to the designated receptacle! He always believed in paying it forward and there is no such thing as "That's how we have always done it, so think out of the box." Special thanks to the many friends in the ULM circle and outside, who loved him dearly.

Online condolences may be sent to www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com[1]

In His Own Words

FREEMAN/STEFFANY – A CHRONOLOGY

July 7, 1945

The first-born of twin sons in Columbia, Louisiana – a town of 1000 people, the parish seat and largest town around. There was probably more head of livestock than people.

Brought up in a staunch, rural, Southern Baptist home. Discipline and a protected environment are the only things to mention. My father was an automobile mechanic and my mother never worked outside the home. I went to church on Wednesday nights and twice on Sunday and attended whatever youth activities there were for my age group. I remember very few happy experiences until I was a junior in high school, when, after much pleading, I was allowed to be in the band. I was a percussionist, and to this day I love a parade!

The greatest joy I remember was being in the senior play – cast as the butler in a murder comedy. Life was hard and I saved my lunch money to be able to rent a tuxedo for the part.

May, 1963

I graduated high school third honor student in a class of 30. There are no childhood friends. However, there are two people I hold in great esteem: A woman who worked in the public library and taught e how to shelve books, but she is now deceased; and my high school English teacher who insisted that I attend college and not a business school.

September, 1963

Enrolled in Northeast Louisiana University majoring in accounting, transferred to Secretarial Science and received a BS Degree in 1968, graduating top honor student in the School of Business that semester.

July, 1967

Married (for the wrong reason) and separated in November, went back together but separated again and finally divorced in 1971.

June, 1968

Began three years in the Army. Was stationed at the Pentagon working for the Military Personnel Branch of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. After completing a special project for the Civilian Personnel Branch, I started the project to automate the military personnel reports for the Secretary of Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff. Discharged in June, 1971, receiving a Joint Service Commendation Medal, the highest non-combat military award which can be given.

September, 1970

A life time dream come true. I attended the finals of the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City. My life was changed because it was that weekend that I came out. My “gay mother” is from Philadelphia.

August, 1971

Began a civilian career associated with the legal profession, and have had only three different employers since then.

October, 1977

Left Washington DC and moved to San Francisco.

But, let’s back up a little. Steffany had to start somewhere

Actually Freeman lied a little bit about his childhood and there being no happy memories. When he occasionally was home alone, my life began in plain cotton dresses and basic black pumps belonging to my mother. When his sister, who is seven years older, got her first red taffeta, ballerina length formal, I became a debutante. If my mother still has that dress, you would probably find a tiny little spot of excitement on the lining!

When I was about 12, I appeared at a church talent contest in my sister’s bright floral full circle dress and black wedgies and sang “There’s a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea” acapella – singing it forwards and backwards.

When I was a high school freshman, Miss Stephonia Stamper represented the business club in the Womanless Beauty Pageant, a fund raiser for the Future Homemakers of America. I wore my sister’s red formal (yep, with the tiny spot!) and a wig made of mass which had been dyed red. As you can see, from a very early age, my female personages have been for charitable purposes.

As a junior in high school, Steffany appeared in a cousin’s white floor length formal and a blond beauty shop mannequin wig that was so stiff it doubled as a helmet. I went whole hog and had my makeup done by the local Avon lady.

After coming out I tried “drag” and Steffany was born.

In 1972, I helped to form a drag “family” called Maryland House. Perfecting what I consider my dramatic and character style of entertainment through many shows. I was elected the First Lady of the Awards Club of Washington D.C.  Unfortunately, the Awards Club folded before a new First Lady was elected. Therefore, I am the longest-reigning First Lady in existence, since I have never had to give up my title!

In February of 1983 I decided to take up square dancing and joined the basic class of Western Star Dancers. I served on the first public relations committee – we were successful in attracting 60 people to the next Basic Class.

I then left PR and became the first non-elected participant on the Board of Directors, serving as secretary to the Board. In 1983, I produced the second edition of the Western Star Dancers Membership Directory, and have produced it ever since.

I prepared the first Travel Guide in 1984 as part of the WSD directory, and in 1985 started publishing the Guide as a separate document to be distributed at the annual IAGSDC Convention.

I have attended all of the IAGSDC Conventions – Steffany was the first drag to “hit” the floor in Seattle in 1984. I helped to design and make the Western Star Dancers banner and the original banner of the IAGSDC (with Dennis Ficken).

There are many little things that I have done through the years to help promote gay square dancing, but I feel that my major contribution has been dependability with integrity. By choice, I have dedicated my social activities to the gay square dance community. It is with great sincerity that I say that my friends in square dancing have allowed me to become a whole human being. Freeman and Steffany have now “grown up” and I hope to be able to share my joy in life with others so that they, too, may achieve growth and maturity and happiness withi the square dance community that they may not have been able to find elsewhere.[2]

Remembrances

On behalf of the Bradley square dance Family, Rest in Peace dear Freeman AKA Steffany AKA Mama Jo Bradley. Yellowrocks.

I have known and had many adventures throughout my 40+ years of being acquainted. Everyone loved your spirt and dedication to whatever you took on.
— James Ozanich

Freeman was the true life of the party in the early days of the IAGSDC. I first met him in July 1986 at the San Francisco convention, and we developed a casual and comfortable friendship through the dance that lasted for decades. Our contact was less frequent after he slid away from all this square dance obligations, but he knew he was still loved by all. I visited him May 2022 after my 50th high school reunion, driving to Monroe to be in awe of his collections and life, toured around the university there, then he toured me around Columbia, where he was raised and knew the family of my sister-in-law Grace Eyler who has family there. You will be truly missed Freeman. Godspeed.
— Bill Eyler

I just heard that we've lost Freeman Stamper. He was such a figurehead in the IAGSDC and he'll be missed. May his memory be a blessing.
— Michael Levy

(Shady) Rest in Peace, Mama Jo! You'll be missed. - Fannie Jo
— Russell Marsh

The Bradley Family will miss him dearly
— Susan Siegfried

Such sad news. Fly high Freeman
— Anne Uebelacker

Oh my dear friend. I will miss you so much. We had such good times together and such wonderful memories. Rest in Peace and know that you will never be out of my mind. Love you always
— Sandie Bryant

Goodbye Freeman. Rest in peace.
— Rick Hawes

I am in tears. We have all lost a dear friend.
— John Faulds

Such a wonderful person. He will be forever in my heart. He did so much for the Square Dance committee. RIP peace my good friend.
— Corky Bolin

Such a wonderful man. Rest in Peace.
— Todd Fellegy

Oh dear. Very sad to hear this. He was an outsized presence at conventions.
— Steve Johnson

pretty sad news. he is indeed a wonderful man; we share the same pet peeves; I don’t understand why people don’t return shopping carts to their racks. he has done so much for IAGSDC; I asked him why he would not go up level in dancing. He said that he liked to meet more people, encouraged them , and enjoyed dancing with them. I am sure a lot of people would miss him. Sleep well…
— Benny Sevilla

What a HUGE loss to ALL Square Dancers. He was know, and loved by many around the world! RIP Freeman, we will ALL miss your vivacious enthusiasm. You will be forever in all of our hearts!
— Randy Clarke-Ianiero

I'm so saddened to hear this! Freeman was such an AMAZING person in so many ways and touched me in many ways. He will always be an icon to me. RIP Dear Freeman
— Bonnie Abramson

Thank you, Freeman, for all of your kindness and love. The other twin Charles.
— Chuck Novak

Such a dear soul whose positive influence is long-reaching. Square dancing was SOOOO fortunate to have him. He was always such a dear to me. You're going to be deeply missed, Freeman. Thank you for being a friend
— Deborah Carroll-Jones

Oh Shit!!! Dear Freeman you were my role model. Rest In Peace dear man
— John Mckinstry

Such a sad loss of a spectacular person.
— Bill Anderson

So sad to hear a true icon in IAGSDC!!! He will be missed by many!
— Bobby Wojcak

What a wonderful man. Rest in Peace
— Italo Regoli

Wow.. Hurts to even hear the news
— Stanley Kawecki

He was so very lovely, sassy and elegant. I remember him fondly. He will be missed.
— Anne Fenkner

Oh dear. what an amazing human being!
— Bex Clark

He touched so many of us. Of course he will be remembered dearly. Rest in peace Freeman.
— Tom Maturo

Rest in Peace. A great loss to our IAGSDC family. We will miss you, good by Freeman.
— Patti Cummings

oh no. Our Freeman.. my friend who first encouraged me to start square dancing. What a loss for us all. May you rest in peace, dear friend. My heart breaks.
— Ett McAtee

So broken up to hear this, such a dear friend for nearly forty years. Rest in peace Freeman
— Chris Phillips

In tears here. Such an amazing human being. His memory will live on and be a blessing to many.
— Mike Rutkowski

Oh, no! Freeman was a unique and shining personality.
— Erin Byars

So very sorry to hear. I got to know Freeman in the 90s when I was living in the Bay Area.
— John Savage

So sad to here. Freeman spirit and love for others was alway present. I bought one of his wigs and I still wear it . His personality spread to all who meet him. RIP. You will not be forgotten.
— Mustang Mary

Dear Family of Freeman Stamper,

I am holding you all close to my heart during this time of Freeman’s passing. Freeman, OK Stephanie, was the very first person to greet me at my first IAGSDC Convention, San Francisco - 1986. There she stood in all her eight-foot grandeur.

We always greet each other as “Charles,” our proper name. And state how fortunate we are to have each other as our "other," twin brother.

Over these more than 30 years, we have shared stories, I have learned proper, Southern etiquette, and we have laughed about our life experiences. When I received my 10-year medallion, Freeman began his presentation with a story about a square dancer, who went back to his mid-west hometown and started a gay square club in 1988. I was honored by his kind words.

My ears still hear his voice, and I can still see his smile, although it is a little blurry from my tears.

Thank you for sharing our beloved Freeman with me.

Lots of Hugs,
— Chuck Novak

We are his family, for the most part. Hugs!
— Bill Eyler

Dear Freeman, you were a pillar to your Family and Friends. We always knew You loved and supported us.

You were a powerful force in Society as well and contributed so much of your wisdom and kindness to all You touched.

What You have left Us and the World has nurtured a precious garden of Love and Memories.

May Your Soul rest in Happiness and Peace. 🙏
— W Tom Pearson

He was a sweetheart and one of the nicest folks I’d ever met..   and he liked me!   haha    We kept up on our birthdays, but of course he never mentioned to me that he was needing “end of life” companions in his life..    Be sure to get a pretty badge for the convention quilt, and I hope you re-publish his obit and correct the last paragraph to include his flair for always wearing a fabulous outfit and lovely accessories, his perfect square dance timing, the sewing circles and clever designer patterns and the ensemble preparations with the Bradley's, and his devotion to his friends..    I’m glad he had a long and fun-filled life, and that he got to live in the beautiful SF house, etc..   what an adorable human being..    I’m glad his tour to earth coincided with mine and that I had the opportunity to meet him!
— Sonya Cox


I couldn't resist. This is a picture (see below) of Freeman Stamper (aka Steffany) from July of 1987, when I attended my very first IAGSDC square dance convention. I had the very rare privilege of wearing Steffany's outfit as my very first "crinoline" experience, and it was the start of a very special bond that Freeman and I had up until the day he died. I would have been dancing in the mainstream hall in this picture, having just completed the Mainstream class under the direction of Baltimore's Chesapeake Squares and Doug Barnett, our beloved teacher. My own crinolines have long since gone the way of the cat, who LOVES the crinkly feel of crinoline material... but back in the day, I was a terror on the floor in those things as I'm sure Rick Hawes and Bill Eyler will remember!
— Ett McAtee

Steffany

Various documents have it spelled differently, so for the wiki we checked. Here's what Freeman had to say:

Q - Is it "Stephanie" or "Stephany"?
A - Thanks for asking, 'cause neither spelling is correct. It is Steffany. My comment has always been, "You can mispronounce it, but don't misspell it."

Memorial Panel

Find a Grave Memorial ID: 260885730

Photos

Videos

Trailer for 2024 documnentary "Freeman"

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YouTube

Sources

  1. ↑ The News Star (Monroe LA) Tuesday, 24 Oct 2023
  2. ↑ Times Squared newsletter, v.5, no.1 (September 1989)
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