Shirley Mae Stokes

On Saturday , June 15, 2019, our heavenly father with all knowledge and love and in his infinite wisdom touched our mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, cousin and friend, and whispered in her ear " Time to Rest Shirley, I have heard your prayers".

Shirley Mae Harvey Stokes was the youngest of her family, baby girl to Edward Lee and Lottie Jefferson Harvey. She was born March 24, 1934 in South Norfolk but reared in the Cascade area of Chesapeake. Married to Jesse Linwood Stokes aka "Gingerbread"  on April 27, 1951. Out of the union came seven children 4 sons and 3 daughters. Shirley started her family at a young age and was a stay at home mom. After her children were all in school, Shirley went back to school at night and continued her education. After that she started custodial work at Campostella Jr. High. Then at night she was took classes to get her diploma. She worked with the City of Norfolk for over 50 years and retired from City Hall at the young age of 71.

She was predeceased by her son Jesse L. Stokes Jr., her mother and father, 3 brothers Edward Jr., Chrispus, Fred, her 3 sisters Lois, Vivian and Carrie Elizabeth. Shirley leaves to cherish her memories 3 sons Harvey Jeffery Stokes (Charlotte), Glenn Christopher Stokes (Jackie), Kelly Patrick Stokes (Tracie); 3 daughters Cheryl Elizabeth Nash, Tracey Stokes Clark, Melonie Stokes Foreman; a very special great granddaughter Andrea Stokes and her daughter Alliyah Stokes; 12 grandchildren, 27 great grands, 2 great great grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mommy, as we lovingly called her, loved her family. Her main purpose was to show us "how to".  She taught us "how to"  work hard and to remember that her lessons were words of her experiences. She will be greatly missed.

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