Grace Espy Stokes, 97, traded her earthly existence for eternal peace on Aug. 25, 2014 in her own residence at Abbottswood Senior Living community.
She leaves behind to celebrate her long life and to mourn her loss, her son, E. Andrew Stokes Jr. and wife, Linda Stokes; her grandson, E. Andrew Stokes III and wife, Michelle Stokes; granddaughter, Courtney Stokes Hand and husband, Ed Hand. Other survivors are her sister, Polly Lokey; brother, James Espy; and nieces and nephew, Fleda Espy, Norma Espy, Beth, Alan and Brenda Lokey.
Grace was a former resident of Eufaula, Fairhope and Panama City, Fla. She moved to Raleigh in 2005 in order to be closer to her only son, Andy, and his family.
She truly was “Amazing Grace,” as described by Andy, for her fiercely independent spirit and her ability to live life on her own terms until the last month of her 97-plus years.
A memorial service will be held Sept. 14 at Abbottswood Senior Living, 7900 Creedmoor Road. All wishing to remember Grace are invited.
The family extends special and heartfelt appreciation to the team of Transitions of Wake Co., who cared for Grace so skillfully and lovingly. Special thanks and appreciation also go to her adopted family at Abbottswood, for their loving devotion to Grace. A big thanks to Jo Ann, Janice, Elva and Dana — Grace loved you. Memorials may be made in her name to Transitions (Hospice) of Wake County.
Arrangements by Cremation Society of the Carolinas, Raleigh, N.C.
