March 2, 2025, 71, Fremont —
Janice Sauls Stocks, 71, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025 at UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield with family by her side. Born in Wayne County on October 14, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Aaron Benjamin and Nellie Bass Sauls.
Born and raised in Eureka, Jan was a true reflection of Southern hospitality and tradition. A woman of simple joys, she found great happiness in cooking for her family, filling her home with the delicious scents of her lovingly prepared meals. Her most joyful moments were with her family gathered together around her table, enjoying her home-cooked meals.
She was happily married to her husband Charles for 34 years before his passing, remaining a devoted and caring wife with unmatched strength. She stood by him throughout his three-year battle with cancer, until the Lord called him home. We find comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with him.
Jan was a loving and precious mother, grandmother, and friend, who brought warmth and comfort to everyone she met. She loved each one of her seven children like only a mother could and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held the keys to her heart. Her love was endless, she gave her time freely, and she sacrificed daily; Jan was truly one of a kind.
Above all, her greatest love was her family—her devotion to them was steadfast, and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. She was selfless, always putting others’ needs before her own, and everyone that knew her loved her. She leaves behind a strong legacy full of love, kindness, and cherished memories with so many.
Jan is survived by her sons, Todd Shirley and wife, Bobbie, Quintin Shirley and wife, Summar, Ty Stocks and wife, Lindsey, Phillip Stocks and wife, Angela and Adam Stocks and wife, Heather; daughters, Erin Ballance and husband, Robert and Madison Brock and husband, Matthew; grandchildren, Hunter Shirley (Laura), Logan Aster (Steven), Micaela Adams (Bryce), Dallas Krob, Trace Shirley, Katelynn Mangaro (Jared), Brentin Shirley (Meghan), Connor Shirley, Layla Ballance (Louis), Emmie Ballance (Brennen), Callen Ballance, Ryott Ballance, Rebel Ballance, Legend Ballance, Hadley Stocks, Garrett Stocks, Tucker Stocks, Harlynne Wise and Cash Stocks; great-grandchildren, Ayden Johnson, Karsyn Shirley, Evie Aster, Lainey Shirley and Tripp Shirley; brother, Ben Sauls; sisters, Stella Jackson, Lynda Howell and Vicky Lancaster and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles Ray Stocks; granddaughter, Alana Ballance, niece, Kim Stocks; brother-in-law, Glenn Stocks and sister-in-law, Janice Stocks Johnson.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, March 5, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Shackleford-Howell Funeral Home in Fremont. A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Eureka Cemetery.
