Mary Stokes

Mary Nena Rhyne Stokes, 98, of White Oak, NC, died March 6, 2023. She was born September 6, 1924, in Gastonia, Nc the daughter of Walter N. Rhyne and Lila Melvin Rhyne.

Mary Nena graduated from UNC-Greensboro Women’s College with a Bachelor of Home Economics and taught school at White Oak High School and Tar Heel High School for over 40 years.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Fulton H. Stokes, her parents Walter N. Rhyne and Lila Melvin Rhyne, two brothers William Edward Rhyne and wife Jenny and Max Melvin Rhyne and wife Lola. Survivors include son, Patrick Ashley Stokes and wife Lisa of White Oak, NC, stepson Fulton H. Stokes, Jr. and wife Phyllis, grandchildren Alvin Stokes and wife Jennifer, Claire Stokes Meehl and her husband Gordon, along with seven great grandchildren, all of Waxhaw, NC, nephew Billy Rhyne and niece Caroline Rhyne of Gastonia, NC.

Mary loved her church, Bethlehem United Methodist Church in White Oak, NC and was always the first to lend a helping hand in any way possible. She was known as one of the best cooks in Bladen County and was known for her homemade chocolate pies. She volunteered countless hours to help those in need in her community and organized many charitable events. She led a Christian life and taught us all the meaning of love, compassion and kindness. She was a Saint and now she is going to Heaven to be an angel.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 11 am to 12 pm at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in White Oak, NC followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow the services in the church cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Liberty Hospice and their good friend Cindy Guyton for their wonderful support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s honor to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 72 Bethlehem Methodist Church Road, White Oak, NC 28399.