Jane Ellen Stenson (née Thompson), age 70, passed away peacefully at her home in Gloucester, Virginia, on June 29, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by loved ones, she departed this life with grace and strength, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and unwavering faith.

Born on October 2, 1954, in Williamsburg, Virginia, Jane was the daughter of Jesse “Shorty” B. Thompson and Geneva Thompson. She grew up in a close-knit family that instilled in her the values of compassion, resilience, and devotion-qualities that would define her throughout her life.

Jane dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her career spanned several decades at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia, Williamsburg Community Hospital in Williamsburg, Virginia, Smokey Ridge Health and Rehabilitation in Burnsville, North Carolina, and Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Her gentle spirit and steady hands brought comfort to countless patients and families during their most vulnerable moments.

Her love for the mountains and reading offered her peace and joy throughout her life. Whether immersed in a good book or taking in the beauty of nature’s peaks, Jane found solace in quiet reflection. Her deep faith was a cornerstone of her life; she maintained a strong relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and drew strength from her spiritual convictions during both joyful times and trials.

Jane is survived by her devoted daughter, Jessica Jenkins, and son-in-law Joseph Jenkins Jr., both of Gloucester, Virginia; and her cherished grandson, Joseph Jenkins III, also of Gloucester. She also leaves behind three stepchildren: Robin Clark Mason of Lolo, Montana; Ella Mae Stenson of Missoula, Montana; and Robert Stenson III of Burnsville, North Carolina.

She is lovingly remembered by her sisters Betty Harding of Pensacola, Florida; Geri Cheatham of Lanexa, Virginia; Elizabeth Davis of Green Mountain, North Carolina; brother-in-law Larry Davis of Green Mountain; brother Kenny Thompson and sister-in-law Tammy Thompson of Charles City, Virginia; and brother-in-law Frank “Buddy” Stenson of Toano, Virginia and sister-in-law Linda Pittman of Green Mountain, North Carolina. Jane’s extended family includes many nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bobby” Stenson; her parents Jesse “Shorty” B. Thompson and Geneva Thompson; her brother, Ricky Thompson; and her sister, Charlotte Thompson; and brother-in-law George Pittman.

Jane’s warmth touched all who knew her. With a big heart and enduring strength, she gave selflessly to those around her-whether through caregiving as a nurse or offering words of encouragement rooted in faith. Her memory will live on through the lives she touched so deeply.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Green Mountain, North Carolina, where she will be laid to rest in the peace of the mountains she loved.

May Jane Ellen Stenson’s memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.