Charles David Stokes,Sr.

Charles David Stokes,Sr.,was born on October 5,1936,as the 5th eldest son of John Godfrey Stokes and Ruth Geneva-Stokes in Amelia County,Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents,5 brothers-John Stokes,James Stokes,William Stokes,Alonzo Stokes and Christopher Stokes;and 1 sister,Geneva Dabney(James). His family moved to Richmond,Virginia during his childhood and settled in the Jackson Ward area. After completing his secondary education,he enlisted in the United States Army. During his time in the military,he discovered his love for photography and travel. After completing his enlistment obligations,he began his post-secondary education at Southern University and subsequently completed his studies at Virginia Commonwealth University,with a focus in criminal justice. Committed to a life of public service,be began work in the Richmond City Police Department. After becoming a Detective,he helped to establish the Internal Affairs Division. After greater than 20 years of service,he retired and continued to be an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Civic involvement was paramount for him and to that end he has participated in the Richmond Jaycees;Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity,Incorporated;local involvement in the Democratic National Convention;and was a regular voting poll worker. Faith was a cornerstone of his identity. He was a long time member of Fourth Baptist Church and served there as a Deacon. He was also involved in several other ministries. Family was the joy of his heart. He met and married Arletha Diane Hathaway in 1976 and from that union came three devoted children,April Pleasants(Shawn);Charles Stokes,III and Rene` McClain(Kakwa). Also,he cherished 3 children from a previous marriage,Vanetta Brown,Charles Stokes,Jr. and Velvet Randles (Peter) . He is survived by his wife,children and 11 grandchildren;Whitney Brown,Oliver Brown,Peter Randles,Theodore Randles,Jeremy Randles,Stacy Randles,Quincy Randles,Brandon Pleasants,Ja`Don Pleasants,Kamari Stokes and Christopher Stokes. He is also survived by two sisters,Margaret Eaddy,Cynthia Stokes and one brother,Ricky Stokes. All in all,to know him was to love him. One could always count on him for a kind smile or encouraging word. He will be truly missed and will remain in our hearts forever.

Tributes

Charles David Stokes,Sr.

October 5, 1936 - December 9, 2013