Jane D. Stokes

Jane D. Stokes, 95, of Stoneham, MA died on Sunday, March 15 at her residence. Born in New York, New York on July 17, 1919 she was the daughter of the late George W. and Ola (Clark) Diggs. Jane was educated in New York City public schools where one of her favorite activities was dancing. She earned her B.S. degree from Virginia State University in Home Economics, Class of 1942 and attended Howard University and New York University. Mrs. Stokes was employed as a Dietician at the Veteran's Hospital in Tuskegee, Alabama where she met and married Marshall V. Stokes II. Jane moved her family to Stoneham in the early 1960's and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Stoneham for many years. She later worked at the Veteran's Hospital in Jamaica Plain. Mrs. Stokes loved to swim, visit friends, and look after the children. She was a lifelong member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a past member of Jack and Jill of America Inc. One of her most precious pastimes was visiting family in the summer in Sag Harbor, New York where the family had a summer home and enjoyed the beach and outdoor activities. Mrs. Stokes was the wife of the late Marshall V. Stokes II. She is survived by her three loving children; Marshall V. Stokes III of Stoneham, Russell D. Stokes, MD and his wife Mary Finnegan of Rhode Island and Carol G. Stokes of New York, her five beloved grandchildren; Jonathan, Laurel, Alea, Jewel and Mariah. Jane is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was the last of three children and predeceased by her sister Edith (Diggs) North and her brother George Wilfred Diggs, MD. A graveside service will be held at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, 185 Lake St., in Peabody on Friday, March 20 at 11:00am. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday March 21st, in the First Baptist Church, 457 Main St., Stoneham at 11:00am. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the Church prior to the service starting at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Virginia State University, 1 Hayden Dr., Virginia State University, VA 23806, or to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., 5656 South Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637. Arrangements are in the care of the McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home in Stoneham.