Mary Stokes

Mary Catherine Stokes was born in Baltimore on September 28, 1920 the daughter of Thomas E. Hamlin and Emma Montague. She died Monday, July 21, 2003. Although she lived some of her early years with her beloved grandmother, Augusta Montague, her mother and stepfather, Lee Noble, raised her. She attended Baltimore City public Schools where she excelled in her studies.In 1938 she graduated from Douglass Senior High school as salutatorian and class poet. The same year she wed Oliver Charles Stokes, and remained his wife until his death in 1981. For a time they lived in Baltimore City, but in the 1940’s moved the family to Turner’s Station in Baltimore County, returning to the city in 1959. Mary Catherine had a special gift and love for working with others. Besides raising six children of her own she was a constant advocate for young people. A founding member of the Fleming Elementary and Sollers Point High School PTA’s in Turner Station she served several terms as their president. For 25 years she volunteered with the Girl Scouts as a leader, camp counselor, community director and national delegate to conventions in Michigan and Florida. In 1964, Mary Catherine added to her busy schedule with work outside of the home. After working briefly for the U.S. Postal service she spent nearly twenty years at the Social Security Administration from which she retired in 1984 as an administrative assistant in the Office of the Actuary.Though raised as a Baptist, Mary Catherine had her young children baptized as Roman Catholics and raised them in that faith. She, however, did not officially become a Catholic until decades later at All Saints Catholic Church. A woman of many interests she enjoyed poetry and short story writing, crocheting, and building dollhouses, reading, puzzles and many types of music. She traveled much of the United States and visited Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas and Europe. Mary Catherine delighted in her children and grandchildren whose regular and spirited visits established a wonderful sense of family, comfort and belonging. She also loved entertaining friends and family on special occasions and her home was one of warmth, laughter, good conversation and good food. Many social and community groups will miss her intelligent and caring participation. Among these is the Northwest District Community Relations Council, the New All Saints Seniors on the Move and Social Action Ministry, Callaway-Garrison Community Association, B.U.I.L.D. and Friends of the Forest Park Branch of the library.She leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Cynthia M. Chideya and Terrina L. Nuss; four sons, Oliver C. Stokes, Jr., Donald H. Stokes, Vance M. Stokes and Michael W. Stokes; beloved sister, Mildred Hill; brother, Ralph Noble; one sister-in-law, Arlene Stokes; two brothers-in-law, Gregory Hill and Pete Standifer; three daughters-in-law, Erescene, Yasmin and Veronica; one son-in-law, Richard Nuss; thirteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mary Stokes

September 28, 1920 - July 21, 2003