OBITUARY

A chivalrous gentleman, caring, attentive, committed, quiet, humorous, witty, kind. A "cool dude"! A little Motown, a little Blues, Cool Jazz, a mellow tune! A generous man, who sought to understand. Honest, trustworthy and passionate; a caretaker and a lover of Jesus Christ!

Robert Stinson Stokes was born to the late Milton Sr. and Mabel Stokes on February 21, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan. On Saturday, October 22, 2022, he passed away peacefully at Floyd E. "Tut" Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville, Alabama.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Twelfth Street Missionary Baptist Church Detroit, Michigan where he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, and a member of the Brotherhood Choir. Robert met and married Bobbie Jean Dukes Jewell in 1989.

As deacon board chairman, Robert led the search committee in the naming of the current pastor of Twelfth Street Church, Rev. Dr. Floyd Davis; with whom a lasting and endearing friendship was established.

Soon after retirement from General Motors in Detroit and completing the task of the naming of a new pastor for Twelfth Street Church, Robert and his wife relocated to Harvest, Alabama. Upon arrival in Alabama, they united with First Missionary Baptist Church of Huntsville under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Julius R. Scruggs.

Robert became a faithful member of the Brotherhood Organization, Brotherhood Chorus and Sanctuary Choir. He was also a member of Adult Sunday School Class #5 and was a passionate student of the Bible. Robert loved his church, and singing in the choir. He was enamored with the melodious voices of the brothers of the
Brotherhood choir including the deep soulful base/baritone voices of Tyrone Sumlin ("Silent Night"), Charles Briggins and the former minister of music and songstress, Dr. Jeanette Kotey! He was demonstrative in praising the Lord when the music reached his soul!

Robert loved living the life of a retiree! He would proudly announce his retirement date whenever he was approached with the question "what do you do every day?" He was the epitome of "hassle-free living"; quickly seeking to resolve conflict and living in harmony within all relationships. He knew how to relax and enjoy the
serenity of abiding with God! His favorite endeavors included singing, dancing and listening to good music. His preference in music was heavily influenced by his growing up in Detroit listening to the sounds of Motown! He also enjoyed watching T.V., going to the movies, attending concerts, dining out, traveling and family
gatherings. A delectable bag of his favorite "JellyBelly" jellybeans after dinner or a trip to the ice cream shop was always more appealing than an evening walk/stroll around the neighborhood! To Robert, the two just didn't go together with retirement!

Robert served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era where he completed his tour of duty and was honorably discharged in 1967.

Four siblings preceded Robert in death; Bernice, Milton Jr., Maria and Michael, all of whom he loved dearly.

Robert leaves to reflect upon his gentle life and precious memories a son; Kimani (Charlana); daughter, Denise Stokes. Grandchildren, Kimani Jr., Charlese, and Kameron Stokes, a precious nephew, Jay (all of Detroit), a loving fiancé, and devoted  friend, Yvonne Holmes (Huntsville AL), one sister, Sharon Stokes, two sisters-in-law, Debbie and Cathy Stokes, and a host of other relatives and friends to cherish his memories.

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Funeral service for Mr. Robert S. Stokes was held Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 10:45am CST/11:45am EST at the Twelfth Street Missionary Baptist Church (1840 Midland Street - Detroit , MI 48238) with The Reverend Dr. Floyd Davis, Pastor and Officiant.  Entombment was in the Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkley, MI.

Mr. Stokes was a devoted and faithful member of the First Missionary Baptist Church - Huntsville, Alabama (The Reverend Dr. Don Darius Butler, Pastor and The Reverend Dr. Julius R. Scruggs, Pastor Emeritus.