Carlotta Algee-Stancil

Carlotta Jeanne Algee-Stancil was born to John A. Algee Sr. and Sadie A. Algee on November 30, 1949, in Saint Louis, Missouri. Both of her parents preceded her in death. She was the first of two children born into this union and was raised with her younger brother, John A. Algee Jr., and cousin, Cynthia A. Shaw. Cynthia also preceded her in death.

Carlotta was raised in a loving and God-fearing home. She was involved in church from an early age and enjoyed singing with the Cherub and Angelus singers, where she grew her talent. She was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church under Rev. James E. Cook. She became a member of the Chancel Choir under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Billups, Minister of Music, and was also a member of the Gospel Unlimited Choir.

Carlotta’s early years included her beloved high school, Charles Sumner High. She was very involved as a member of the A Cappella Choir and other activities. As a graduate of the Class of 1967, she remained a devoted and active member of the alumni group, one of her greatest loves.

Carlotta earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Child, Family, and Community Services from the University of Illinois Springfield (formerly Sangamon State University). After graduation, she studied Theology at the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa. To be closer to home, she accepted an internship as a resident minister at Wesley House, part of the University of Missouri–Rolla (now Missouri University of Science and Technology) in Rolla, Missouri. While there, she became a member of the NAACP and worked with The Voices of Inspiration, as well as other community organizations.

After returning to Saint Louis, Carlotta began her career at the Saint Louis Public Library as a Youth Service Provider. During her tenure, she worked as a librarian, later as a Regional Branch Assistant, and finally retired as an Adult Outreach Supervisor. She loved working with both youths and adults, with the goal of ensuring that education was accessible to all she served.

Carlotta’s other great passion was music. A well-known vocalist throughout the Saint Louis community with her contralto voice range, she participated in several clinics and groups. She was a member of the Legend Singers, as well as a founding member of the In Unison Chorus with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, where she performed for 28 years until her retirement in 2023.

Carlotta’s greatest love and source of pride was her family—her three beautiful children, and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She treated all who were near her as family. Her greatest pride was that all of her children knew and had a relationship with God. Her love for family and learning their history led to an interest in genealogy. She also enjoyed sewing and crocheting.

Carlotta J. Algee-Stancil is survived by her sons, Ebong (Nancy) and Charles (Monica) Stancil; daughter, Monica (Donald) Hughley; brother, John Jr. (Carol); nephew, Christopher (Marie) Rose; grandchildren, Micah, Maleiah, Brandy, Anthony (Billie Joe), Kayla (Antoine), and Alyssa (Kent); several great-grandchildren, great-nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.