Our beloved Jessica Cradle Stoneking, a woman who personified love, resilience, and quiet strength, transitioned to be with the Lord on January 20, 2026, after bravely enduring a long illness. Born on July 26, 1980, at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Lexington Park, Maryland, Jessica entered the world surrounded by love and was cherished from the very beginning.

She was the beloved daughter of Rebecca Cradle and was warmly welcomed into a close-knit and extended family that included her grandparents, Dorothy and John Terry; aunts Charlotte Cradle, Margaret Winston, and Karen Strauss; and uncles Charles Searight and Kenny Cradle. As the firstborn grandchild, Jessica held a special place in the family, and within ten months she was joined by her cousin Lei Dunn. The two shared an inseparable bond and grew up as constant companions and lifelong friends.

Jessica’s early years were shaped by her stepfather, William Baker, who assumed the role of fatherhood in Jessica’s life. His military career enabled the family to travel within the United States and abroad. Her family lived in California, Maryland, Jacksonville, Florida, Rota, Spain, and ultimately settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. These experiences cultivated her adaptability, compassion, and deep appreciation for connection across people and places.

Education and Career

Jessica attended Green Run High School and graduated in 1998. Following in the footsteps and role model her father, Will Baker demonstrated, she later enlisted in both the United States Army and the United States Navy, reflecting her willingness to serve something greater than herself.

She ultimately found her professional calling in restaurant management, holding leadership roles with Ruby Tuesday and Chili’s. Jessica was a respected and trusted leader, known for her steady presence, genuine care for her teams, and her ability to bring out the best in others. Her leadership style fostered loyalty, confidence, and lasting relationships—many of which extended far beyond the workplace.

Family and Personal Life

On May 7, 2022, Jessica married her soulmate, Shane Stoneking. Though they first met in Virginia Beach more than two decades earlier, their relationship began as a deep and enduring friendship. In 2021, their paths realigned, and they both recognized that destiny had brought them back together. Their reunion blossomed into a profoundly loving, supportive, and joyful marriage.

Shortly after their marriage, Jessica experienced severe kidney failure. Throughout her illness, Shane remained her steadfast partner, confidant, and advocate. In an extraordinary expression of love and devotion, he donated one of his kidneys in an effort to extend and improve her life. While her illness ultimately progressed, Jessica faced every challenge with courage, grace, and unwavering strength.

Survivors

Jessica leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Shane Stoneking; her children, Taekwon Morris, Taylor Cradle, and Elijah Knight; and her three beloved grandchildren, She is also survived by her parents, Will and Rebecca Baker; her sister, Brittney Bellamy; her brother, Darius Baker; her in-laws, Johna, Mike, and Lindsey Stoneking; along with a large extended family and her lifelong best friends, Annette Cales and Toni Price.

Legacy

Jessica will be remembered as a gentle yet powerful presence—a source of light, calm, and joy to all who knew her. Her life was defined by authenticity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved. Whether as a leader, friend, wife, or mother, Jessica carried herself with grace and quiet strength, leaving an enduring legacy of love, warmth, and faith.

She was also known for her radiant smile that could light up any room and for an infectious laugh that brought comfort and joy to those around her. Even in the face of life’s trials and tribulations, Jessica never lost her sense of humor. Her ability to find levity in difficult moments reflected her resilience and reminded everyone around her of the power of hope, laughter, and unwavering spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:1-2

God has prepared a new body for us - Our bodies are like a tent that we live in here on earth. One day, that home will come to an end. But we know that God will give us a new home. It is not a house that a human builder has built. God has built it for us in heaven and we will live there forever. Now, while we are in our body here on earth, we cry inside ourselves. We want to go and live in our house that is in heaven.