Grace Virginia Jackson Stokes

Grace Virginia Jackson Stokes was born on March 31, 1926 to the late Grace and Norman Jackson. She was the seventh child in a family of ten-five boys and five girls. She spent her childhood in Baltimore, Maryland attending Baltimore City Public Schools. She was an outstanding scholar and graduate from Frederick Douglass High School as valedictorian of her class. Upon graduation she attended Coppin Teacher’s College and again graduated as valedictorian. She embarked upon a very successful teaching career for thirty-one years. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Coppin, a Master’s Degree in Education from New York University, and a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Maryland. She concluded her career as a librarian in the city schools. Since Grace never had any children of her own, she considered her Sunday School and Public School children as hers and greatly influenced their lives in many ways. Grace was Christened as a baby at Unity Church by Rev. Levi B. Miller, Sr. She eagerly attended Sunday School every week and as a teenager was baptized by Rev. Miller and formally joined the church. For thirty-five years she served as Superintendent of a thriving Unity Sunday School. She was always a faithful, dedicated member of the church and belonged to several of its organizations. On October 27, 1956, Grace married the love of her life, Henry Thomas Stokes. For fifty-five years they enjoyed life together. They loved traveling and have visited many countries. Grace was a lover of life. She enjoyed reading, shopping, attending the theater, doing needlework, bowling and meeting with her friends in several social club. She was nice, friendly, thoughtful and cared about helping others. She will be greatly missed by her family who loved and cared for her. She was our “big” sister and always helped us when we had problems. On February 3, 2012 Grace Jackson Stokes departed her earthly life to go home to live with her God. She leaves to cherish her memory: one devoted husband, H. Thomas Stokes; three brothers, Robert, Charles and Walter Jackson; two sisters, Camilla Parrott and Betty Tilghman; two sisters-in-law, Helen Jackson and Ethel Jackson; one brother-in-law, John Tilghman; eleven loving nieces and nephews, many cousins and devoted friends. Grace Virginia Jackson Stokes- a true lady, a scholar, an educator, a dedicated Christian and a true friend, touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Tributes

Grace Virginia Jackson Stokes

March 31, 1926 - February 3, 2012