Wilmington Mourns the Heartbreaking Loss of Helping Hands Founder, Jamie Stokley

Wilmington Mourns the Heartbreaking Loss of Helping Hands Founder, Jamie Stokley

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Wilmington community is grieving deeply following the tragic and unexpected passing of Jamie Stokley, the beloved founder and CEO of Helping Hands of the Cape Fear. At just 40 years old, Jamie’s untimely death has left a void not only in the lives of her loved ones but also in the countless hearts she touched through her tireless compassion, advocacy, and service to others.

Helping Hands of the Cape Fear, the nonprofit organization Jamie founded, confirmed her passing on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, sharing the heartbreaking news with the community she so selflessly served. Under her leadership, the organization became a beacon of hope for Wilmington’s unsheltered population — a place where compassion met action and where dignity and care were extended to those in their most vulnerable moments.

Jamie’s mission was rooted in empathy. She believed that every person, regardless of circumstance, deserved to be treated with respect and kindness. Through Helping Hands, she worked to provide post-hospital recovery support for individuals experiencing homelessness — ensuring they had a safe place to heal, recover, and regain strength. Her vision reshaped how the community viewed and supported those living without shelter, challenging others to see humanity first and circumstance second.

Those who knew Jamie describe her as a radiant light — someone whose energy, generosity, and determination inspired everyone around her. She was a woman of action and faith, never content to simply talk about problems; she worked relentlessly to solve them. Whether it was organizing community drives, coordinating with hospitals and local agencies, or sitting at someone’s bedside to offer comfort, Jamie led with heart.

Friends, colleagues, and volunteers from Helping Hands of the Cape Fear are struggling to come to terms with her loss. Many have shared tributes honoring her remarkable legacy, describing her as the “heart and soul” of the organization and a “true angel on Earth.” Her dedication not only transformed lives but also united a community around compassion, understanding, and shared purpose.

Beyond her professional work, Jamie was a devoted daughter, friend, and mentor. She brought warmth and laughter wherever she went, known for her ability to make people feel seen, valued, and loved. Her authenticity and strength left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

As Wilmington mourns, the community also celebrates the incredible impact Jamie had in her short but powerful life. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the organization she built, and the spirit of kindness she inspired in others.

In their statement, Helping Hands of the Cape Fear shared, “Jamie was the heart of our mission. Her compassion, faith, and fierce dedication changed lives every single day. Though she is no longer with us, her light will continue to guide this work and our community forever.”

As friends, family, and the Wilmington community gather to honor her memory, they carry forward the compassion and vision that defined her life.

May Jamie Stokley’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy of love and service continue to uplift others for generations to come.