Carolyn passed away at her home in Arjean by the Sound on Tuesday May 28th, 2024. She had just celebrated her 83rd birthday on the previous day.
Carolyn was born in Anniston, AL to Samual and Kathleen Jones and she grew up in Columbus, GA with five loving brothers and sisters. She graduated from Livorno American High School in Livorno, Italy, where her father was stationed with the US Army. She also earned a BS in Accounting from East Carolina University.
She earned the latter while she was raising her three children and helping her first husband operate a 3000-acre farming operation in Scotland Neck, NC named Deodara Plantation. While there, she helped restore an 1800’s era local landmark named Magnolia House, which was their home. Carolyn was known as a gracious host to many guests and visitors at Magnolia House and maintained her Halifax County friendships for many years.
Carolyn retired from the City of Wilmington where she was the Accounting Supervisor for the Finance Department. After retirement, she helped start the Stephen Ministry program at First Presbyterian Church and served as a Stephen Minister Leader for many years. She was also the Wedding Coordinator at the church.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 34 years, James “Jay” B. Stokley, Jr; three children, Anne Jones Matney (David), Harold Wayne Cutler, Jr (Sharon), Caroline Hall Cutler, and a stepson, James Matthew Stokley (Anne Markwith); nine grandchildren, Sara Claiborne Matney, Lillian Grace Matney, Anna Carol Cutler, Maggie Lynn Cutler, Andrew Thomas Maxwell, Audrey Kathleen Maxwell, Claire Elizabeth Maxwell, Catherine Jewell Maxwell, and Edward James Stokley. She is also survived by a sister, Linda Kenney, a brother, Eugene Jones, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The Family requests that any Memorials in Carolyn’s name be sent to First Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, NC, designated for the Stephen Ministry program.
The family would also like to thank Lower Cape Fear LifeCare for the comfort and care they provided over the last week of Carolyn’s life.
