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Mary Stocks Obituary
Memphis, TN
Mary Rose Sutton Stocks, age 84, died on December 31, 2015 at the Methodist Hospice. She was born in North Carolina and was the first member of her family to attend college. She entered East Carolina Teacher's College and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Education in 1952, followed by a Master's Degree in Education in 1954 from East Carolina College. In 1981, she graduated from East Carolina University with Six Year Educational Specialist Degree.
Her celebrated North Carolina teaching career started as an elementary classroom teacher in 1952. In 1956, she was recruited to Wahl-Coates School and became their Title I teacher in 1989.. Of her own initiative, she developed and coordinated the Volunteer program at Wahl-Coates School. In this program, she organized parents, local businessmen/women, and retirees of Greenville to work one-on-one with her Title 1 students needing additional academic support. She continued to do this until retiring. In addition, she participated in accreditation teams with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Accreditation Program. She was very active in the North Carolina Association of Educators
Mary Rose Sutton Stocks was the recipient of the Barry Gaskins Award, the John G. Clark, Jr. Memorial Award and the Pitt County Schools ABCD Award (Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award). She was honored by Governor Mike Easley on September 22, 2005 when she was presented the special award of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for the State of North Carolina.
At 76 years of age, she retired in 2007 after 55 years as a classroom teacher and educator. She was the wife of Mack Stocks of 56 years, who predeceased her in death. Mary Rose is survived by daughter, Rose Mary Stocks-Herron, M.D,. son-in-law, Paul Herron, Jr and grandchildren, Tallis, Sutton, and "Trey" Herron of Memphis, Tennessee and son, Mack Stocks from Hawaii.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on January 29. If you would like to honor the memory of Mrs. Stocks, encourage your family to pursuit the endeavor of higher education and "read, read, read", and if you so desire, donate to the Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Stocks
Trish Nations RN from Maalaea
January 18, 2025
Your mom and Mack will always have a special place in my heart.
Nick Forte
March 1, 2016
Was Mrs Stocks student-teacher in the fall of '71. She was instrumental in preparing me for a successful career in Education. A wonderful teacher and professional role model. She certainly touched many lives in a positive way.
Steve Alexander
February 16, 2016
What a great person and teacher that can leave you with only good memories of one short year in school. As others have said, probably the best ever!
Danelle Smith
February 13, 2016
What a wonderful life to celebrate... I remember working in the cafeteria at Wahl Coates and she would always come in, say good morning, and set the tone for the day as a wonderful day. Ms. Stocks always had a big smile on her face and cared so much for everyone. She did rally for Wahl Coates and had grandparents, parents, and people from the community out there helping the students. We were so blessed to have her there helping our students!
February 9, 2016
I understand she was a very dedicated teacher. She and her family used to be our neighbors. Rose Mary and I used to be good friends. Lots of memories! Kim Taylor Bunn
Susan Cyphers
February 8, 2016
She made such a huge impact in my life as my tutor when I was in elementary school. She is loved and will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Eden Gay
February 8, 2016
Mrs Stocks was my 6th grade teacher. She was also one of my favorite teachers. I remember how kind, and gentle she was with all the students. She was so generous and loved us each as ourselves. So many lives were touched and influenced by Mrs Stocks - I know she will be missed. Just as I know there are many former students revisiting the good memories of being in her classroom. Prayers to the family and friends
Jenny Stoneham
February 7, 2016
Mrs. Stocks taught me in the 6th grade. She was probably the most genuine & caring teacher I ever had. May she rest in peace & know that she is remember so fondly by all of us who had the honor to call her our teacher.
Darlene Messerli
February 7, 2016
I choose not to mourn her loss, but to celebrate her life! Her wit, wisdom, energy, and passion were her trademarks! What a legacy she leaves to the cherished family she was so proud of!
Helen Cox
February 7, 2016
Mrs. Stocks was a sweet lady I had the pleasure of meeting when I student taught at Wahl- Coates under Mrs. Thelma Allen.
Mrs. Stocks is very deserving of all the honors she received during her career.
Mike Garris
February 7, 2016
She taught me in sixth grade at Wahl-Coates. What a wonderful teacher. 55 years of public service. Amazing!!
John Wesley Linton
February 7, 2016
I was not aware that Ms. Mary had passed away...it had been awhile since I had seen her since she had been staying with her children, but she was always one of my favorite customers. Any occasion that brought her to the USPS on 10th Street always ended with conversations and laughs. She had a way of always making me feel special by usually waiting in line longer just so I could wait on her. In all my years of knowing her and serving her postal needs, it was certain that she loved her children. She always spoke so highly of her visits to Memphis and Hawaii. RIP Ms. Mary and enjoy the start of your journey....job well done!
Patricia McArthur
February 7, 2016
I remember working with her at Wahl-Coates school. She was a sweet person to work with.
Carla A. Wainwright
February 7, 2016
Mack,
I was so sorry to read about the loss of your Mom. She was a very special lady and will always be remembered for all she did for the students and educators of NC.
Dewey Dunn
February 7, 2016
My favorite teacher of all time! What a dedicated teacher and person. She changed so many lives. Love, hugs, and prayers for her family. God has definitely called an angel home.
Sheila Mendoza
February 7, 2016
We shall not see her like again. What a woman! What a legacy!
Patricia Nations
February 4, 2016
I will always remember your laughter and your pretty red earrings. You were a woman so full of love and energy and others always liked to be near you. You were always so happy to be here on Maui with Mack. I'll miss you but will never forget you.
January 25, 2016
May God and treasured memories comfort the Stocks family. Isa.33:24; Ps.1:1-3
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