WILMINGTON — Lillian “Pinky” Stokley, 85, affectionately known as “Nana,” passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
Pinky was born on April 12, 1939, in Pender County, North Carolina, the eleventh child and eighth daughter of the late Luther T. Edens and Lillian Ethel Edens.
Pinky loved life and people, especially spending time with her best friend, Ora Lee Reynolds. It was through Ora Lee and her brother “Wild” Bill Reynolds and his wife Donis that Pinky met the love of her life and future husband, Jerry Wayne Stokley. Wild Bill and Jerry were playing baseball for Topsail in the Cape Fear League when Pinky and Jerry first met.
Pinky worked in telecommunications for 35 years. She found joy in bowling, traveling with her bowling team, and cherished the moments spent with family and friends. Known for her fried chicken and biscuits, Pinky also loved listening to her husband play guitar and sing.
Pinky was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Leola May, Lawrence Bernie, Gracie Alleen, Doris Enolia, Ida Leah, Hazel Thomas, Edward Nathanial, Clara Bryan, Bettye Louise, Franklin Delano, and her beloved husband, Jerry Wayne Stokley, Sr.
She is survived by her son, Jerry Wayne Stokley, Jr., his wife Dionne Sheree Stokley, and her three grandsons, Jake Dean, Dylan Lane, and Colt Shepherd.
A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
The family would like to thank Lower Cape Fear LifeCare for their generous care of Pinky during her stay, and Port City Community Church for their kindness and support.
Donations in Pinky’s memory may be sent to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
