William M. Stokes

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” – Matthew 25:21William Manning Stokes, Sr. heard these words and went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening, March 24, 2004, after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.Bill (or Bunky as his family affectionately knew him), the second of two children, was born on November 30, 1946 to Miriam L. Stokes and William E. Stokes in Baltimore, Maryland. Bill accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of twelve and became a life long member of Faith Baptist Church. After graduating from Baltimore City College in 1965, and completing one year of college at Coppin State College, Bill began a career with the United States Air Force.In 1968, while on a weekend pass with his buddy Earl, he met the love of his life, Evelyn Jones (Earl’s sister). The two married February 9, 1969 in Kenai, Alaska. Out of this union, two children were born: Miriam Monique and William Manning Jr. (Billy).After returning to Baltimore with his bride and first born, Bill completed his college education at Coppin State College, graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science. While at Coppin, Bill became a dedicated and loyal member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.Bill’s career with the federal government included working for the United States Postal Service, Social Security Administration, Department of Labor-Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (formerly known as Health Care Finance Administration).Bill retired from the Air Force after 33 years of service, and he retired from the federal government after 35 years. Bill enjoyed seeing the world during his time in the military, and often returned with various treasures of the world for his family and friends.Bill was a child of God and loyal friend. He dedicated his life to helping others. This was evident through the hard work and dedication he put forth in everything he did. Bill received many honors and acknowledgements for his accomplishments. He was named Omega Man of the year several times, awarded the Presidential citation from the National Association of Equal Opportunity for Higher Education (NAFEO), along with many other awards and recognition. He served as a trustee at Faith Baptist Church, as well as on several committees and ministries to include the Scholarship Ministry, the revision of the Church Constitution, and chairing the Budget Committee. Bill volunteered every year as and instructor for the Presidential Classroom program in Washington, DC, mentoring and teaching high school students the fundamentals of governmental affairs. He also worked diligently at gathering family history and organizing family reunions and gatherings. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, and spending time with his grandchildren.Bill is survived by his wife of 35 years, Evelyn M. Stokes; two children, Miriam and William Jr. (Billy); three grandchildren, David Lindberg whom he raised, Maurissa whom he affectionately called Toogs, and Maurice whom he affectionately called Mo; his mother, Miriam L. Stokes; his father, William E. Stokes; his sister Miriam (Marlene) Mason and her husband Charles; his father-in-law, Willie C. Jones, Sr.; and a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

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William M. Stokes

November 30, 1946 - March 24, 2004