Barbara Loray Stockman, 76, of Mooresville, N.C., entered Heaven on June 6, 2024, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was born on June 15, 1947, to Elvert and Shirley Norris, and was later adopted by her step-father Robert Stubbeman. She grew up in Brown County, Ind. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education in the Church, she planned to become a missionary to Africa. While attending a prayer meeting for Africa, she met Russell Stockman, who was planning to go to Kenya, East Africa. Within a short time, they believed God was bringing them together for His service, became engaged, married and began their ministry to Kenya. They faithfully served in Kenya and South Africa for 35 years.
Barbara leaves behind a testimony of commitment to her Savior and her family. Her faithful, daily walk with the Lord worked itself out in her life. Her speech was kind and uplifting, starting first in her home. She intentionally prioritized her husband and the discipleship of her children. Her ministry to women and children in the United States and Africa was profound and long lasting.
In spite of a difficult childhood, an extended health battle with liver disease and her decision to leave behind her home country, her spirit was consistently uncomplaining, joyful and full of trust in the Lord. As a result of her daily walk with God, she was stable when life was not. These qualities made a permanent impact in our family and in the lives of those she touched.
She is survived by her faithful husband of 41 years, Russell Lee Stockman; and their daughters, Sarah (Thomas) Wiggs and Anna (Billy) Dillon and their children Elia, Andrew and Hopelyn. In addition, she is survived by her sister Debby Moberly and one niece, Abigail (Randall) Wallace, and great nephew Levi. She was greeted in Heaven by her parents, her loving brother-in-law Randy Moberly, and her niece Amanda Moberly.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a service following at 1 p.m. at East Side Baptist Church in Statesville with Rev. Jon Acker officiating. Burial will follow the service at Glenwood Memorial Park in Mooresville.
The family would like to receive written remembrances of Barbara. Please send your memories to stockmanmemories@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers and other gifts, please make memorial contributions to the missions program at Southside Baptist Church, 1229 South Anderson Road, Rock Hill, SC, 29730. Russ and Barbara were commissioned as missionaries there, and Southside was their home and sending church during their 35 years in Africa.
Our family would like to recognize and express great appreciation to Susan Cole and Teresa Adkins of Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County and to the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House of Mooresville for their excellent care of Barbara during her final illness.
May God receive the glory from Barbara’s legacy of faithful service.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family.