Martha Jane (Dawson) Stocks

Martha Jane Dawson Stocks, 98, of Kinston, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, October 8, 2021. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She was born August 14, 1923, in Lenoir County, to the late Rufus and Julia Parrish Dawson. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her sister Sallie Mae Thompson, and brother Samuel “Peter” Dawson. After her Deep Run High School graduation, she attended King’s Business College in Raleigh. During World War II, she worked on airplanes at Fairchild Aircraft Company in Burlington, N.C. For many years, she was a dedicated and valued bookkeeper for the construction business of her late husband, Guy Stocks, Sr. Later, she worked at the Lenoir County Tax Office and as a bookkeeper for her son’s businesses, and others as well. For years she enjoyed volunteering at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Having a love for nature, she had a green thumb and loved working in her vegetable garden and with flowers in her expansive yard; she also had a deep love for animals. Being a wonderful cook, she loved to prepare big holiday dinners for her family. She was an exceptional southern lady whose priorities were God and family. Putting others before herself, she loved her family and friends; anyone who knew her was truly blessed.

Survivors include her daughters Patsy Stocks McCann and husband Patrick of Kinston, and Donna Stocks Hardee of Greenville; and her son Guy Stocks, Jr. and wife Ellen of Winterville. Grandchildren who lovingly called her “Granny” include Kimberly McCann Bishop and husband Zack; Travis Shea McCann and wife Natalie; Justin Wayne Hardee and wife Allyson; Brooke Hardee Lewis and husband Rodney; Brooke Smith and husband Aaron; and B.J. Johnson and significant other Stephanie. Beloved great-grandchildren include Connor Stephen Bishop, Caroline Zehnder Bishop, and Charles Robert Bishop; Miles Hardee Lewis, Hayes Dawson Lewis and Evan Cameron Lewis; Jackson Britt Hardee; Naomi Corrine Smith and Norah Elise Smith; Austin Blake Johnson, Graysen Bryan Johnson, and Johnathan McKenzie Rawls.

The family would like to thank all of the healthcare professionals who were involved in her care.

A private graveside service will be held at Pinelawn Memorial Park with Dr. H. Powell Dew, Jr. officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the NC State Veteran’s Home- Kinston, 2150 Hull Road, Kinston, North Carolina 28504.