Welchia M. Stokes

Silently a flower blooms; in silence, it falls away. On October 23, 1921, a seed, Welchia Mae Banks, was sewn into the lives of the late Welch and Jessie Banks in Bessemer, Alabama. Welchia, more affectionately known as “Me-Ma”, was one of four siblings nurtured in a household of faith, love and sacrifice. In 95 vibrant years, she blossomed into a woman who exemplified how to walk by faith, live with courage and endure with strength. On the morning of April 20, 2017, God selected our beloved flower and re-planted her roots in His perfect garden. Like the roots of a flower need water, so does the spirit. Living life in service to God, was modeled by her mother Jessie and as a result Welchia professed Christ as her Savior at an early age. The seed of faith was planted at East Bessemer First Baptist Church in Bessemer, Alabama. The budding of her faith continued at the Mt. Airy Baptist Church in West, Virginia. Her steadfast and unmovable faith flourished for 52 years at Berean Missionary Baptist Church. As a flower in the garden bending toward the sun, Welchia courageously strived to achieve her full potential in all facets of her life. Whether graduating from Alabama Public Schools under segregated conditions at the age of 15 or co-owning for over thirty years the La Rouge Beauty Salon in Brooklyn New York with her best friend, Frances Braithwaite, she unapologetically dared to pursue her purpose and passion. Although she broke tradition when it came to being a woman in the workforce, she stayed true to the tradition of being a devoted wife in the household. Welchia’s petals of maturity and wisdom unfolded when Sam Alton Stokes entered her life. A 35-year honeymoon began in 1947. From this union, two children were conceived. The first child Cecil Stokes was born in 1949 and two years later their baby girl, Sirlilar was born. A wife of noble character, Welchia eagerly gave of her time to make her marriage special. In the Stokes household, her hands kneaded the bread, her quick wit filled the home with laughter and her sharp tongue served as the rod of corrections for her kids. A Proverb’s 31 woman, she took pride in creating a welcoming home and being her husband’s confidant, companion and caretaker. Faithful to her vows, she wore her wedding ring daily and never entertained a gentleman caller, anticipating uniting with her one true love again. Through the birth of her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren, the petals of unconditional love and unwavering support blossomed. There is no love like a mother’s love and there was no tighter bond than the one shared between Me-Ma and her children. She challenged, embraced, loved, encouraged and supported Cecil and Sirlilar in their personal and professional endeavors. She took every opportunity to be involved as possible in the lives of her grand and great-grandchildren. To her children, she was more than a mother, she was a best friend. To her great and great-great grandchildren, she was more than Me-Ma, she was their number one cheerleader. So faith expands its beauty until at last it grows The beauty of a flower is its petals. The growth of a flower depends upon it being planted in good, rich soil. The petals of love, wisdom, strength and courage stemmed from Me-Ma’s rich soil: a pure heart. Whether giving a word of encouragement, a word of wisdom, a silent prayer or a painful truth, she did all with unlimited love. Her warming heart, embracing demeanor and soft, kind voice made everyone feel loved. She was a mom and grandmom to countless others—far more than just her family. While under “watch care” at Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church since 2006, she has flowered many with her wisdom. Due to years of cultivating her faith, the thorns in her life caused tears but didn’t compromise her strength. Her trust in God, dependence upon Him and reliance upon His promises, blossomed her into a strong prayer warrior. Life experiences strengthened her belief that LOVE could and did conquer anything. Into life’s lasting flower…the heart’s fair perfect rose How shall we remember this flower? As a woman of grace, strength and courage. She showed us how to walk and live in God’s love. She has shown us how to live life fully and grow wiser gracefully. You were our example of God’s perfect love. Our matriarch, joy, pride and gift, you were perfect for our lives! We praise God for the seed you have sewn in our lives! Growing from her rich soil, she leaves her children: Cecil (Laurice) of Brooklyn, NY, Sirlilar of Baltimore, MD; one sister-in-law Elise Ward of Detroit, MC; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, three god-children and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends to cherish her memory and to continue her legacy. Preceding her in death is her husband: Sam A. Stokes, one sister, Viola Banks and three brothers: JD, Wilber and Tody (Robert) Banks.

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Welchia M. Stokes

October 23, 1921 - April 20, 2017