Mary-Jane (Makin) Stokes

She was born in Moorestown, New Jersey on August 1, 1921 to Charles and Elma Makin. She attended Moorestown High School and later graduated from the Douglas College for Women, now known as Rutgers University with her degree in Education.

After graduating, she served in the Navy as a nurse's assistant in World War II. It was during this time she met her husband, Sidney E. Stokes from Beaufort, South Carolina who preceded her in death in 1996.

For over 30 years, she taught and influenced the lives of countless students in high school at Lenape High School in New Jersey, and several schools in Spring Hill, Florida. Mary Jane started many educational programs throughout the years, in which she never sought recognition. With her love for education and teaching others, she hosted summer classes for homeschoolers focused on the arts, and was known for her continued education in writing at University of South Florida (USF.) even after her retirement.

While in St. Pete, she resided at the Masonic Home of Florida as a Worthy Matron, and also founded a Skit Group in the Masonic Home, who performed plays and skits within the community of St. Pete and the surrounding areas. Her love for teaching others is a true inspiration to all those who knew her. She was also a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Moorestown, New Jersey and St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Survivors include five children, David (Susan) Stokes of Mount Holly, NJ; Linda Stokes of Tallahassee; Pamela (John) Terry of Tallahassee; Clifford "Buddy" (Debbie) Stokes of Spring Hill, Florida; and Charles (Terri) Stokes of Spring Hill Florida, and a niece, Sharon Makin of New Jersey. She is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service for Mary-Jane will be held January 19th, 2019, at 2:00pm at St. Peters Anglican Church, Tallahassee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mary-Jane's name to be made to Big Bend Hospice.