JoAnne “Nanny” Stokes, 74, left this world peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, June 3, 2017, in Iola. She was born Dec. 21, 1942, in Chanute. She was raised by Rex and Mabel Wingler in LaHarpe, where she attended grade school and later graduated from LaHarpe High in 1960.
She married her high school sweetheart, Darrell Eugene Stokes on Sept. 10, 1960. They were blessed with two children, Kirby Eugene and Patricia Ann. They made their home in various locations throughout their years together, before settling in rural Iola.
JoAnne worked as a CMA for several nursing homes in Iola over the years. Following that, she was employed with USD 257 Food Service at LaHarpe Elementary and Iola High School cafeterias until her retirement in 2008.
She enjoyed her flowers and watching her birds, and taking walks with her dog, Buddy. She was an active member of various local social clubs. Most of all, she loved her family, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and going to all of their activities.
Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Clay (Tommy), Colony; stepsister, Carolyn Orr, Eureka; granddaughters Chelsey Cooper (Chad Beasley), Iola, Casey Jo Tennis (Skyler), Centerton, Ark., Crystal Clay (Steven Taylor), Iola, and Megan Stokes (Travis Burke), rural Iola; grandsons Taylor Bolden (Trisha), Parsons, and Quinton Stokes, Iola; and great-grandchildren Treyson, Kalli, Macie, Tytan and Trey. There will always be a very special bond between Nanny and Treyson Matthew as they share a birthday.
JoAnne was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Darrell, her parents, her son, Kirby, and her great-grandson, Drake Darrell.
A private memorial service will be held, per her wishes, with inurnment at LaHarpe Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences for the family can be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
JoAnne Stokes
