Princella was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1920, to her parents William and Lucretia Staley in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was raised in a Christian home in which both parents were servants of the Lord. She had an enriched life.
Princella took violin lessons but disliked them. She loved to dance. She once won a dance contest at the Pearl Theater in Philadelphia. Princella knew how to defend herself. If anyone messed with her or her family, she could beat them down. Princella was educated in the Philadelphia public school system. Later in life, she completed a GED program.
Due to racism and limited careers for black women, she had to work at menial jobs. She chose a nursing career because she wanted something better for her life. She graduated from the Philadelphia School of practical nursing. Her family was so proud of her when she passed the nursing boards in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She proudly wore her white nurse’s cap, white uniform, and white nurses Oxford. Princella was employed as a Licensed Practical nurse at Byberi Psychiatric, Eisenstein
Northern Division, Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, and private duty nursing.
Princella loved life, friends, and family. Her sweetheart Timothy “Yank” Wims was the love of her life. They were united on June 16, 1951. They had two daughters Priscilla and Carol. She was a devoted stepmother to Timothy Jr, Ronald, and Drena. She had a special love for her children and so many others. It was not uncommon for many to accept her as a mom, grandmom, aunt, God mom, etc.
Princella loved the Lord with all her heart, mind, and soul. She held Bible study and prayer meetings in her home. She graduated from Grace Bible Institute with a diploma in Biblical studies. She completed Evangelism classes through Grant AME church and became a licensed Evangelist. She continued Biblical studies through Friends of Israel, Bethany Baptist, and WDEBCEC under the leadership of Rev Dr. Denise Wooten-Troutman. Princella faithfully served as a prayer warrior for all people. She served in various ministries at Grant AME, Bethany Baptist, and WDEBCE Church. Here are some of them: prison ministry, missionary board, nursing ministry, mother’s board, prayer warriors, Elders Council, Saints Alive, and many more. On November 20, 2021, she was ordained as Reverend/Elder by Rev. Dr. Denise M Wooten- Troutman at the CROC Center, Camden, NJ.
Princella sacrificed so much for her children. She was devoted to her parents and siblings. Her favorite past times were reading the Bible, gardening, cooking homestyle meals, and watching church programs.
Lovingly submitted Rev Priscilla L Wims-Greene.
Masks are required to attend the Visitation and Celebration of Life Service held on Friday, 6/30/2023 at Bethany Baptist Church.