Mrs. Beaufort Alston Stokes

A Tribute to the Life of A Virtuous Woman........ For BEAUFORT ALSTON STOKES, there was no question about how to live her life and who to live it for. For her, there was only one way to live: unconditionally in love with Christ, for Christ and through Christ. Since her birth on February 15, 1935 in Warrenton, North Carolina to George and Viola Alston, Beaufort was nurtured in a household of faith, fortitude, love and sacrifice. That which she saw, she emulated and imparted to anyone she encountered. From an early age she accepted Christ into her life at Fork Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Warrenton, North Carolina and committed to being a hearer and doer of God’s word. In Him she placed her trust and with each humble submission to His will for her life, she graciously accepted her path: a virtuous woman and spiritual warrior blessed with the gifts of helps. A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies, her husband has full confidence in her… After moving to Baltimore and meeting the love of her life, she married Cecil Curtis Stokes on August 3, 1957. She was his confidante who had the insight and discernment to know exactly what he needed, when he needed it and in her own special way, she knew how to make it clear to him. As his wife of 54 years, she was a devoted caretaker, chef, nurse, personal assistant, project manager, landscaping partner, advisor, companion and when needed, his sheriff. In each other, they found an unspoken comfort and filled each other days with simple joys. Whether watching the Gaither Singers on Saturday nights or trimming the hedges and planting flowers on a spring day, she eagerly gave her time and talent to making her marriage special. She gets up while it is still dark: she provides food for her family; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Not neglecting herself, her zest for life extended beyond her love for her husband. She found great satisfaction in honing her craft as a Domestic Engineer. Wise in her usage of time and resources, she had an uncanny ability to make something out of a little. Extreme couponing, restoring and reupholstering furniture, canning goods, making Lye soap and homemade ice cream, quilting, baking (especially the sweet potato pie and the coconut cake) and thoughtfully shopping for the needs or likes of others “just because” were some of her cherished hobbies. Always the entertainer, she could bring the family together with her home cooked meals, especially on Sunday evenings. Her most fulfilling time of the day was nurturing herself spiritually. Never short of a Bible or spiritual literature, she always started and ended her day in quiet meditation. Through private journals, she sought favor for her loved ones and authored numerous prayers and life application principles. Who knew we had an author among us? Her thirst for knowledge was insatiable. She was a devout attendee of Sunday School, Noon Prayer Day services and private Bible study sessions with her closest friends. She obtained her LPN certificate and attended numerous workshops held by her community association and the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education Church Wide Institutes. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. Prayer in action is love; love in action is service. Whether it was a word of encouragement, a kind deed, a word of wisdom, a silent prayer or a painful truth, she did all with unlimited love. In the midst of providing for her family and taking care of home, she still found time to work for the upkeep and development of the Kingdom. For over 50 years, Beaufort was a faithful member of Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church. Throughout the years she served on the following ministries: Soup Kitchen, Senior Missionary, Youth Advisor Ministry, Culinary, Women’s Mass Choir and Voices of Tabernacle. A true missionary at heart, she eagerly delivered care packages to those in the Baptist Center, visited the sick, shopped for those who were shut-in and provided transportation or a place to rest for those who needed it. In her community, she was a welcoming face. She shared her home grown fruits and vegetables with new homeowners and helped others in the community to beautify their properties. Beaufort lived the proverb of “taking the entire village to raise a child” by faithfully volunteering in community schools and actively participating in neighborhood community association meetings. Everywhere she went, she evangelized and each word was accompanied by a tender smile. Beaufort rendered her service in the spirit of joy. Her gift of helps was recognized by many as she was the recipient of various awards in her church and in her community. Never for personal gain or recognition, she found herself by losing herself in the service of others. She knew when she served others, she served God. When it snows, she has no fear… she is clothed in fine linen and purple, strength and dignity. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. In the midnight hour or even at the break of dawn, her foundation of faith diminished her fears and left no room for doubt, for her confidence in God’s promises was shown as she always advised her family, friends and others to pray and trust God. Guided by the Spirit in all her endeavors, she embodied a tenacious spirit that allowed her to boldly confront any situation. She believed, modeled and taught: “When you walk with God, you know how to handle what comes; you know how to maneuver because He has already equipped you.” She gave all an unforgettable example to follow as she walked a consecrated life for God. She watches over the affairs of her household…Her children arise and call her blessed and praise her. Trusted matriarch. Proud protector. Our number one fan. Our moral compass. Our prayer partner. Her unconditional love for God and her faith in Him steered her selfless commitment to family. Beaufort was a devoted mother who engendered pride and self-confidence in her children. Her children, Georgette, Michael, Linda, Claudette and Kevin (deceased) benefited from her tireless support and protection. Her Christ-like spirit transcended to her three grandchildren: Lekia, Ketia and Aaron. Excited about every accomplishment and an avid believer in their potential, Beaufort showered them with encouragement and wholeheartedly did everything within her power to ensure their path to greatness was free of obstacles. The verse she instilled in them the most was they were “fearfully and wonderfully made” and that is how they live. Words can’t express the gratitude we feel for her strength and extraordinary dedication to us. Momma, we will always love you for who you are and praise God for our time with you! No one was a stranger to her because she embraced everyone as family. That’s why so many called her “Momma” or “Aunt Beaufort.” Momma’s compassion and guidance wouldn’t allow her to turn her back on anyone. She openly gave her heart to friends of the family, nieces, nephews, siblings and cousins the same as she did for her own children. For this, all those who affectionately know her as “Momma” or “Aunt Beaufort” are eternally grateful for her many sacrifices. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. A virtuous woman in her own right, she lived her life in service to God, her community, friends and family so that all who had the pleasure of meeting her might feel the love of God and know what it means to truly trust in Him. In the last year of her life, Momma gave her greatest gift to her family. Through her suffering, each one was able to experience a more intimate relationship with God. We were empowered to stand firm on God’s Word no matter what the situation because we were tasked with a divine purpose. Learning to earnestly seek God with all of our hearts, humbly taking refuge in Him for understanding, and walking boldly by faith, each one of us took hold of Momma’s faith and made it our own. Momma was a source of wisdom, a strong support system and confidante for many. To cherish her memory and build upon her legacy: she leaves a devoted husband, Cecil; three daughters, Georgette (Cecilia), Linda (Denise) and Claudette (Renee) Taylor; and son, Michael; son-in-law, Theodore Taylor; three grandchildren, Lekia (Kia), Ketia (Tia) and Aaron; one sister, Verlene Miles; two brothers, Clarence and Gillis Alston; one brother-in-law, John Fulton; two sisters-in-law, Addie Stokes and Agnes Alston; one aunt, Welchie Stokes; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and cherished friends, including, Virginia Barber, Malqueen Hamilton, Carrie Johnson, Christene Reid and her mother mentor, Elizabeth Boston.

Tributes

Mrs. Beaufort Alston Stokes

February 15, 1935 - March 29, 2012