Doris Louise Anderson Stokes

To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. In this spirit, we recognize the earthly departure of our loved one from this life into the Glory of our Heavenly Father. At the age of 87, God's wings gently and peacefully welcomed home eternally Doris Louise Anderson Stokes on December 31, 2022. Doris was born on June 17, 1935, to the late Ernest Walter Anderson, Sr., and Bertha Speller Anderson in Richmond, Virginia. She grew up in a large loving and extended family. Doris was educated in the Richmond Public Schools and was a graduate of Armstrong High School. Her jobs often required her to take continued education to maintain and excel within her profession as a teacher's aide, daycare worker, and child technician with the Virginia Treatment Center for Children. Doris accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. Henry Randolph, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. She was a faithful member and served on many committees and capacities. Doris served in the Church School, the Randolph Memorial Choir and mentored and worked with the youth. She was one of the founding members of the Royal Ushers Board some years ago. Doris was very instrumental in the establishment and ministry of the Bethlehem Baptist Daycare, under the leadership of the late Dr. Rev. John Bishop Gordon, Sr. She was one of the first teachers and assistant directors. Doris was very community oriented. She worked with voter registration and volunteered her services to the Richmond Nursing Home. She was active with her children's PTA and the Highland Springs Booster Club. She was also a member of the Eastern Stars. Doris' life was one of ordinary deeds and simple forms of human helpfulness. She loved her family and friends dearly. To know her was to love her. If you knew Doris, she was hospitable, opening her home and heart to many as she was a nurturer, a listener, and a giver, not expecting anything in return. She gave good advice whether you wanted to hear it or not. She was our family griot, our oral historian, the keeper of family stories and secrets. There wasn't a birthdate, phone number, or address she didn't know. She was also a great cook, famous for her hot rolls and delicious potato salad. Doris loved her hats and the colors of pink and purple. She was an avid Washington Redskins fan. One of her greatest joys was visiting the Redskins training camp with her son Randy. In her earlier years, she was musically inclined to entertain and play the piano by ear. She kept in close contact with her friends and especially her childhood friends. Most of all Doris loved the Lord, was God-fearing, and depended upon the power of prayer. Doris married her love, Melvin Reuben (Mutt) Stokes (who predeceased her) and from this union, five children were born: Loving sons, Reuben Wayne Stokes (predeceased), Melvin Renard (Nettie), Randall Keith (Susan), and devoted daughter, JaPata Devaughn, Joletta Deshawn Stokes (predeceased) and grandson; Kevin Harris (predeceased). Doris also leaves to cherish her memory grandchildren; Daniel, Julius, Morgan Willsey (James), Nicholas, Miles, Taylor (devoted), and Monica. Great grandchildren; Reagan, Daniel, Jr., Aria, Amelie, and Malachi, sister; Gwendolyn A. Pitts (Ethan, Sr.), brothers; Reginald N, Herbert M, and Lewis H. Anderson. Cousin; Darnell Anderson (Wendy), sisters-in-law; Constance Anderson, Lois Anderson, Laurita Anderson, and a host of loving nieces (devoted; Faye Pryor), nephews, and other close relatives. Devoted family friends; Frances Chatman, Stanley Brown, Greg Taylor and Gordan Craig, Tammy Shipman, and neighbors. Doris was predeceased by her siblings; Everette, Horace, Rev. E. Walter, James, Harold Anderson, Virginia Ryan Shaw, Amanda A. Pryor, Bertha Anderson, and Marian A. Lewis. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Tinwtfiy 4: 7-8

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Doris Louise Anderson Stokes

June 17, 1935 - December 31, 2022