Jane Williams Stoerker
Jane Williams Stoerker passed peacefully into the presence of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
She was born in Beaver, Pa., on Dec. 15, 1936. She spent her childhood growing up in Pittsburgh around caring parents and a host of aunts and uncles.
In 10th grade, she met a good-looking guy named Paul. She took his hand and did not let go until 72 years later. He was the love of her life. They married after graduating from Penn State, then lived, worked, and raised four children in Pittsburgh, Pa., before eventually moving to Chattanooga to retire.
Jane especially enjoyed arts and crafts. So much of her love for people and life extended through the work of her hands. She made things that people took delight in and encouraged her children to do the same. All three of her daughters were given the same vintage model Singer sewing machine, and her son was given free reign of the basement for his trains. She was their guide, showing them the way with fabric, thread, inks, paper, miniatures, ceramics, and even decoupage.
All who knew her will remember her by her deep love for the Lord, for her beloved Paul, and for her extended family and friends; for spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She prayed continually for her grandchildren, truly considering them a gift straight from heaven. She loved to hear their stories, their plans, their adventures, their hopes. She hurt with them. She laughed with them.
Jane loved being wherever her family was. As long as family was there, she loved a good backyard, a beach, a cabin, a seat on a boat, a church pew, a restaurant. She loved a good meal as long as someone else was preparing it. She loved strong coffee and taught her son-in-law’s how to make it. She loved ice cream. She will be remembered by what she loved and who she loved.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Jean Williams, and by her sister, Dorothy Wills.
She is survived by her best friend and husband of 66 years, Paul Stoerker, three daughters, Susan Bigelow, Nancy Hicks (Glenn), Karen Smith (Tracy), son, Mark Stoerker (Susan), and her by her brother-in-laws, Karl Stoerker and Emile Bareng. She will forever be remembered by her ten grandchildren, Brian (Amanda), Steve, Dan (Liuba), Wilson (Rebecca), Matthew, Thomas, Caroline (Noah), Catherine, Micah, and Brayden, and by their 6 great grandchildren.
The family is very thankful for the loving care shown to Jane and Paul by their friends at North Shore Fellowship and by the staff, therapists, and caregivers at Dominion Senior Living of Hixson. A memorial service for Jane will be held in the Chapel at Dominion Senior Living in Hixson, on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m.