JoAnne C. Stokes

JoAnne C. (Jody) Stokes from Leesburg passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, April 4th, 2020. Born to the late Alonzo Clarence Ayers and Frances Leona McBryde on May 25, 1935, she is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 65 years, Beryl N. Stokes, Jr. She is also survived by her children, Toni Stokes Marshall, Lauren Stokes-McClurg (Leroy) and Sandy Stokes (Karen), 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Jody was a strong, gifted and loving woman. She deeply adored so many people in her life and was a devoted and loyal friend. Her passions were cooking, gardening and crafting and she expressed her passions through the Peace Rose Garden Club, cooking for friends and family and doing things for her church. She was a member of St. James Episcopal for many years and truly loved her church, her church family and her loving God. She was a woman of deep faith and through her devotion to St. James she served on the Altar Guild for many years, overseeing countless ceremonies at the church. She was involved in many projects through the Episcopal Church Women, the annual bazaar and creating ornaments for the Chrismon Tree. For many years she planted tulip bulbs from Holland in the courtyard and her final gift to the church was making the crosses for Palm Sunday, just days before she passed. Jody was also an advocate for children, working as a Guardian ad Litem and fighting for the rights of all she helped. Her home and her heart were open. She hosted many foreign exchange students and fought to bring a refugee family to this country. Most of all, what truly defined Jody, was being a wife and mother. She was the center of our family, of our universe and she fiercely loved us all. Words cannot express how deeply she will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to Forward Paths Foundation or St. James Episcopal Church. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at St. James Episcopal Church in Leesburg. Online condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg, FL.

JoAnne C. Stokes

May 25, 1935 - April 4, 2020