Jane Morton Stokes

A native of Durham, North Carolina, Jane was the eldest daughter of the late Woodrow Wilson Morton and Lillian Moyer Morton.

Jane graduated from Durham High School and later obtained her undergraduate degree in sociology with a concentration in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Throughout her life, she was an avid Tarheel fan. She worked as a social worker at Duke Medical Center, Wake County Department of Social Services, and Wake Medical Center. In this role, she was an advocate for families. During her career, she especially enjoyed working with the Teens with Tots program at Wake Medical Center.

In years that followed, Jane allowed her gift of compassion to shine through volunteerism. Much of her time was spent at White Memorial Presbyterian Church serving as a Stephen Minister, in bereavement care, and assisting with communion. For years, she was an active member of circle #1 and the circle at Springmoor Retirement Community. In 2007 White Memorial recognized her passion and commitment by presenting her with the Presbyterian Women’s Award.

Jane was also an active member of Bible Study Fellowship for twelve years where she enjoyed studying God’s Word and leading weekly discussion groups. She continued to do Bible studies and participate in book club with treasured friends throughout her life. Jane could also be found volunteering at Ravenscroft School or serving as a chaperone for a choir tour trip during her daughter’s years there. She cherished trips to the beach with her sister and her family over the years.

Jane loved being a wife and mother. On May 2nd Dick and Jane celebrated 57 years of marriage at Transitions Life Care with special fanfare. Jane was a nurturing and sacrificial mother.

Jane’s life will forever be marked by her easy and gentle personality that was unbothered by the cares of this world, her compassionate care for others, and her ability to deliver unapologetic truth with a smile. She was extremely courageous in her recent battle against cancer. She touched many lives and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Richard “Dick’” Houser Stokes and their daughter, Jennifer Stokes Thomas (Scott). She is survived by a sister, Mary Lynne Hutchins (Wayne), niece Lauren Hutchins Procopio (Pete), niece Lindsay Hutchins.

She is also survived by sister-in law, Mary Beth Bridges and nephew Kenton Stokes Bridges, and sister-in-law Suzanne Stokes Reiss and niece Mary-Stokes Reiss Koller (Edward), as well as many great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the compassionate care and guidance offered by the Wake Medical Center Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit and Transitions LifeCare.

A Witness to the Resurrection Service will be held at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, date and time forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Transitions LifeCare ( https://www.transitionslifecare.org/donate/ )

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Stokes family.