Jean E. Stokes
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Jean E Stokes of Lawrence passed away peacefully on March 9th, 2023. She was born in San Francisco, CA on January 19, 1923, to Henry and Ruby Strout. She grew up in Portland, Oregon, until moving to the Boston, MA area in 1940. After graduating from Winchester High in 1941, she attended the Chamberlain School of Retail in Boston and worked at Filenes Department store.
In June 1946 she married James A Stokes Jr in Concord, MA and they lived in Clinton, IA and Lawrence, KS where Jim was employed at DuPont.
Jean was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Chapter GQ P.E.O. Sisterhood, and did volunteer work over the years for Lawrence Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Link.
This loving lady is survived by a son James A Stokes III and wife Jackie of Collierville, TN and a daughter Susan Koelling of Wichita, grandchildren Lesli Storm (Matt) of Geneseo, IL, Adam Stokes (Andrea) of Skokie, IL, Heather Lewis (Brian), and Jason Koelling (Kathy & sons Dane & Travis) of Wichita. Her great grandchildren are Bethany Hughes (Austin) of Epworth, IA, Dana Storm (Ian) of Geneseo, Il, Nicholas Stokes of Marion, IL, Alexander and Olivia Lewis of Wichita, Keelan and William Stokes of Skokie, IL. Her great great grandchildren are Hattie James and Caroline Mae Hughes.
She was preceded in death by her husband James A Stokes Jr, mother and father and sister Helene Dunbar.
A celebration of life will be held at Presbyterian Manor, 1429 Kasold Dr., on March 16th at 2:00 pm with a private interment ceremony to follow at the First Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers please make any donations to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
So sorry to hear of your lose.
Jim and Jean were are neighbors on Turnberry Dr from 1991 until they moved.
My mother lives at Presbyterian and got to know Jean as well.
They were always so kind and such wonderful neighbors.
My condolences to the family, I always thought of Jean as a beautiful loving woman. I went to school with her daughter Susan and spent some time at their house. It’s hard when we lose our parents, my God be with you and your family at this time if grieving. 🙏
Jean and Jim Stokes became two of my father’s dearest friends at Presbyterian Manor. Jim and Dad both served on destroyers in World War II and had a very meaningful bond. Jean and John were such gracious and enjoyable people to know. I miss them both very, very much. My thoughts are with their family.
Jim and Jean lived across the hall from my parents, Lyle & Faye Young at LPM for many years. Their friendship and their help made their life better. I benefited from being reunited with their daughter, Suzi, my LHS ’69 classmate. Eating with her and her parents were a highlight when I visited my parents. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I smile when I think of our lunches and times together!