WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Wilmington community is mourning the heartbreaking and unexpected loss of Jamie Stokley, the beloved founder and CEO of Helping Hands of the Cape Fear, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping unsheltered individuals recover from illness with dignity and care. The organization confirmed her passing on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, sharing that Jamie died at just 40 years old.
In a statement, Helping Hands described Jamie as “known for her compassion, tenacity, and devotion to those most in need.” Her death has left a profound void in the Cape Fear region’s nonprofit, healthcare, and civic leadership circles, where she was both a trusted advocate and a driving force for change.
Who Was Jamie Stokley?
Jamie Stokley was a Wilmington native, a passionate leader, and a healthcare professional who transformed compassion into action. With more than 15 years of experience in home care and healthcare administration, she blended professional expertise with a deeply personal mission — to ensure that no one faced illness or recovery without shelter, support, or dignity.
A graduate with degrees in Business and Healthcare Administration, Jamie built her career on service, leadership, and innovation. She was widely respected for her ability to bridge gaps between systems — connecting healthcare providers, housing organizations, and community agencies to create lasting solutions for the region’s most vulnerable.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jamie was deeply involved in civic service. She served on the New Hanover County Endowment Advisory Board, was an active member of the Rotary Club, and was honored as a WILMA Women to Watch recipient — recognition of her leadership, compassion, and visionary contributions to the Cape Fear area.
A Legacy of Compassion
Under Jamie’s leadership, Helping Hands of the Cape Fear became a lifeline for the unsheltered — offering respite housing and post-hospital recovery care for individuals with nowhere else to go. Her work filled a crucial gap between hospitals and homelessness services, creating what many called a “dignity-first” model for compassionate care.
She was known for her belief that “everyone deserves a safe place to heal.” Through her leadership, Helping Hands partnered with local hospitals, clinics, and community organizations, ensuring that no patient was ever discharged to the streets without support.
Her peers and friends remember Jamie as a woman who saw people, not problems. Whether she was advocating at a city council meeting, mentoring young women in leadership, or sitting beside a client at one of her organization’s recovery homes, Jamie brought empathy, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to everything she did.
A Community in Mourning
Since the announcement of her passing, tributes have poured in across social media from community members, healthcare professionals, and local leaders. Many have called her a “true light” in Wilmington — someone who didn’t just talk about change, but built it.
“Jamie was the kind of leader who led with her heart. She didn’t just run a nonprofit; she created a movement rooted in humanity,” one colleague wrote.
Funeral arrangements are currently underway, and Helping Hands is expected to release details about a public memorial in the coming days. The organization is now entering a pivotal moment — working to preserve Jamie’s legacy and ensure her compassion-driven mission continues for the many clients who rely on its care.
Carrying the Torch Forward
Local supporters, volunteers, and partner organizations have already expressed their commitment to carrying on Jamie’s work, a testament to the countless lives she touched. Her passing has left a tremendous void, but her vision of dignity, care, and community resilience remains alive through the people and programs she built.
Jamie Stokley wasn’t just a nonprofit founder — she was a pillar of Wilmington’s humanitarian community, a woman whose leadership combined heart and hustle in equal measure. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that real change begins with empathy, courage, and an unshakeable belief in the worth of every person.
Rest in Peace, Jamie Stokley (1985–2025).
Your compassion transformed lives, your leadership inspired many, and your light will forever shine in the heart of Wilmington.
