Obituary of Joshua G. Stokes

Joshua Gilmore "Gil" Stokes Jr. of Perinton died unexpectedly on August 23, 2020 at home at the age of 91. Gil is survived by his loving wife of 24 years Vilma (Nelson) Stokes, brother Dr. Ralph Stokes, sisters in law: Sheila (Bob) Smith, Gloria Jean Hayward, Valerie Hayward, brothers in law: Junior Harris, Gerald (Beatrice) Harris, Ronald (Delores) Harris, Philip (Stine) Harris; children: Michael (Ellen), Michele , Thomas (Elizabeth Murphy), John (Chenneta), Robert (Kathy) Stokes, Telana (Pablo) Nieves: step children Derek Nelson, Deborah (Jerome) Nelson-Stovell, Dionne (Gregory) Nelson Wade, Wayne Nelson, Lester (April) Nelson; grandchildren: Bridget Stokes Manhanga , Harley es, Langston, Laura (Robbie Kolovson), Sarah, Keisha, Spencer, Joshua, Heather, Amber, Katelyn, Chase Stokes; step-grandchildren: Alaina Nelson, Jordan Stovell, Gordon Nelson, Denzil Nelson, Aaron Nelson, Nicole Nelson, Marcus Wade; nieces Carolynn Broadnax, Katheryne Stokes Willis: nephew: Douglas Hamm great grandchildren Lua and Charles Manhanga: grandnieces; Jennine Thompson Brown, Candace Thompson, and numerous grandnieces nephews and cousins. Gil was born on December 31, 1928 to Joshua and Bernice Stokes (both deceased), He was pre-deceased by his first wife Barbara (Harley) Stokes; his son, Martin de Porres Stokes and his sisters, Margaret Hamm and Barbara Little. Gil was born in Baltimore, MD. The family moved to Washington DC when he was quite young. He graduated Cardoza High School as valedictorian, then attended Howard University in the ROTC program where he graduated with a BA in Accounting and a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the United Stated Air Force as a base auditor. He married Barbara Harley and they had seven children while traveling the world and living in Germany, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Japan, England and California. He had a 20 year career in the US Air Force he retired with the rank of Major as a supervisory auditor. In 1971 he took a new position as a civilian internal auditor with Eastman Kodak Company and relocated the family from California to Penfield (Rochester) NY where the family still lives today. He retired from Kodak after 15 years. Barbara died suddenly in 1991 from a heart attack. In 1996, Gil married Vilma Nelson from Bermuda whom he met when she was visiting family in Rochester. They have been married for 24 years. They travelled annually first to Hawaii and then for many years to Bermuda until a few years ago. Gil often commented “that his Bermuda family treated him like a king”. Gil was always very active in the community and was a member of Penfield Rotary for many years. He also attended St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church where he attended daily mass upon his retirement until a few years ago. Due to COVID-19, a private family funeral mass and service was held at St Josephs. Those wishing to, may view the service on the internet at: https://www.sjcpenfield.com/video In lieu of flowers if you wish to make a donation in memory of Gil please make it to: Baden Street Settlement 152 Baden Street, Rochester NY, 14605 https://www.badenstreet.org/donate/