Obituary of Carolyn Madonna Stafford

Carolyn Madonna Stafford of Winter Haven, Florida, was called home on February 13, 2022.  She was born to Mildred Messick Musselwhite and Leon R. Musselwhite in Eustis, Florida on April 16, 1944.  She lived most of her life in the Tampa area.

 

Madonna was married for 37 years to Ronald Stafford, who died in 2000.  They had two children, Ronnie Stafford (wife Jessi) and Madonna Dowling.  They had two grandchildren, Cody Stafford and Tyler Stafford, as well as two step-grandchildren, Shelly Taylor and Alton “PeeWee” Dowling.  Madonna also helped raise Kathy “Stephanie” Skupien, who was like a second daughter to her.  As one niece put it so well “she was everyone’s mom.”

 

After Ronald’s death, Madonna married David Rainwater and later moved to Winter Haven.  She embraced the Rainwater family, which includes four children, Pamela Baker (Robert), Trish Rainwater, Mark Rainwater (Christie), and Bruce Rainwater, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Madonna loved her family and always welcomed anyone who needed a safe place to land. Her door and kitchen were always open, she had a big heart, and she was an amazing Southern cook.  She also loved to dance, and she loved glitter!

 

Madonna is preceded in death by husbands, Ronald Stafford and David Rainwater; her parents, Mildred and Leon Musselwhite; a sister Yolanda; and a brother Harold. 

 

Survivors include her son Ronnie Stafford (Jessi), daughter Madonna Dowling; grandchildren Cody and Tyler Stafford, Shelly Taylor and Alton “PeeWee” Dowling; sisters Teresa Soluri (Mike) and Sonya Nowling; brother Richard Musselwhite; and the Rainwater family:  Pamela Baker (Robert), Trish Rainwater, Mark Rainwater (Christie), and Bruce Rainwater, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Madonna also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and other friends and family members who will miss her warm smile, her loving personality, and her amazing chicken and dumplings!

 

Services will be held on Saturday, February 26 at Land O’ Lakes Church of God, 8337 Land O' Lakes Blvd. 

 

Visitation – 1:00-2:00

Memorial Service – 2:00-3:00

 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a contribution to a charity of your choice. 

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