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Louis Stokes
1925 - 2015
Louis Stokes
1925 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1925
DIED
2015
Louis Stokes Obituary
The retired 15-term Democratic congressman died at home of cancer last week at age 90. Vice President Joe Biden and numerous current and former members of Congress helped fill Olivet Institutional Baptist Church to celebrate Stokes’ legacy and achievements.
The Rev. Otis Moss Jr. recounted in a eulogy how Stokes’ mother, Louise, raised him and younger brother Carl in the Outhwaite projects after their father, Charles, died when the boys were young.
Louis Stokes became a civil rights attorney after serving in the Army during World War II. At his brother’s urging, Stokes became the first black person elected to Congress from Ohio in 1968. Carl Stokes had been elected mayor of Cleveland the year before, the first African-American to lead a major U.S. city.
Moss said that despite having been raised on an “island of racial inequality, segregation and injustice,” Stokes achieved greatness by rising above his circumstances.
“Even if you’re blind and asinine, you will still get the blessings from the work of this great man,” Moss said.
Moss noted that when Stokes retired from Congress in 1990, he took on two jobs, that of a lawyer and a college teacher. Stokes remained active in the months preceding his death, having served on a panel commissioned by Ohio Gov. John Kasich to explore problems in the relationship between police and citizens.
Stokes’ grandchildren told mourners how he and their grandmother attended all the big events in their lives and forged tight bonds. Stokes and his wife Jeanette, known as Jay, were married 55 years. Granddaughter Nicolette Thompson called Stokes her best friend.
Stokes’ congressional career saw him lead a select committee that investigated the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He sharply questioned Col. Oliver North during a congressional hearing on the Iran-Contra scandal and became the first black member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee.
The prestige and influence he gained within the halls of Congress allowed him to bring substantial federal help back to Cleveland, the city that friends and family say he loved. Cleveland’s Veterans Affairs hospital is named after Stokes.
U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge of Warrensville Heights said Stokes was her mentor and trusted friend. She said Stokes “never embraced the shallow notion he should be like everyone else.”
“Congressman Stokes will be ranked as one of the all-time greats,” Fudge said. “And, to be sure, his greatness will endure.”
___
MARK GILLISPIE, Associated Press
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
147 Entries
Sheila Henderson Jones
March 6, 2025
I am honored to have served as press secretary to Hon. Stokes during an historic and extraordinary time. Finding myself looking for leaders like him and his brother Carl, I pray you are searching the heavens for ways to spread and share your insights and wisdom. We need and miss you. And the struggle continues...
LOVE AND MISS YOU.....
William Richards
August 3, 2018
SILVER BBBBBBB
William Richards
August 3, 2018
September 8, 2017
You were a great guy, and very nice too. Juliette Perry 9/8/2017
How you can show support
Sabrina Oneal
December 14, 2015
God Bless You! Mr.Stokes Light a Candle.
KRISTINA MORNINGSTAR PEGO
October 25, 2015
Just found out, I moved. To a great public servant, always the gentleman, with persistent questions directed to him. A forerunner in race relations breaking barriers for others. Thank you
Clifford Johnson
September 22, 2015
Sorry to the passing or Mr. Stokes
Rose Williamson
August 30, 2015
Lord, may Louis rest in peace, Amen
He was a good servant of yours...
Howard-Stokes Family
Debbie Cunningham
August 29, 2015
To the Distinguished Congressman from the former 21st District, the Honorable Louis Stokes...you were a dignified and humble servant who served your constituents without any fanfare. I was very pleased when you chose my daughter, Nicochelle to appear on your first piece of campaign literature as the youngest member of 21st Dist. Caucus ..My your spirit soar in heaven.......
People of. 66. Hough ave.
August 29, 2015
Well done thy good and faithful servant. Thank you for all you have done For the people of Cleveland. Thoughts and prayers to mrs jay stokes and the entire family.
Rachel, Mildred, and Kimberly Price
August 27, 2015
Congressman Louis Stokes was a legendary figure who was a down-to-earth person and cared about the everyday people in Cleveland and in the entire nation through his work as a politician. Even though we didn't get a chance to meet him in person, we will truly miss not only his smile and pleasant personality, but his non-stop dedication to the American people. To the entire Stokes Family: we know it hurts to see that Congressman Stokes is no longer with us, but please be assured that he is in Heaven along with his brother Carl and with Stephanie Tubbs Jones, just to name a couple of people, and God has His loving arms around them. His legacy will continue to brightly shine down on all who knew him.
August 27, 2015
Thank you Congressman Louis Stokes for your years of service and all you have done for the people in this city. Prayers are with the family. Stokes Brothers Together Again.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
August 27, 2015
we are sending our love,prayer,&condolences to the family of stokes family,friends,fans.
August 27, 2015
Extending condolences to your family during their loss may God bless your family.
Ray Wells
August 26, 2015
thank you for all the service you gave to Cleveland may you rest in peace
The Citizens of Cleveland
August 26, 2015
We, The Citizens of Cleveland, will miss you dearly. We will miss your presence riding in the parades. That smile of your brighten everyone day.
R.I.P.
August 26, 2015
To the family of the Honorable Louis Stokes:
On behalf of the Carter, Wilkins and Crain families, we send our sincere sympathy and love in the passing of your loved one. He was a gentleman, statesman, counselor always listening and encouraging. Our family knew the Stokes family from the Outhwaite Homes Project. 1946-1949.
Well done thy good and faithful servant.
Respectfully submitted, Dicey A Carter Crain, Henry H. Wilkins II,(grandson) Case Western Reserve University, Weatherhead School of Management. Class of 2000
August 26, 2015
May your faith in God, and fond memories sustain you at this time.
Sincerely,
Erma E. Heard
Pansy
August 26, 2015
To the family, I like to express my sincere condolence to the family, may you draw comfort from those who love you, and Gods word will help you. Psalm 119:50,76
August 26, 2015
My condolences to The Stokes Family. May the God of all comfort be with you as you cope with such a loss. Please find comfort in the memories you have of Mr.Stokes and may it help to ease the pain you are feeling.
Marie Fentress
August 25, 2015
To the Stokes Family,
The World have been blessed with such a great man as Congressman Louis Stokes. To God be the glory for all that he has done!!!
MARY FREEMAN
August 25, 2015
WORD CANNOT EXPRESS WHAT I HAVE WIT ASSING OF SUCH A GREAT MAN..LOUIS STOKES BLESSED Y FAMILY WHEN WE NEEDED MEDICAL.CARE FOR OUR BED RIDDEN BROTHER. HE MADE SURE THAT HE WOULD RECEIVE ALL THAT HE NEEDED IN HIS LAST DAYS. GREATER LOVE HAS NO MAN THAN THIS THAT HE LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. LOUIS STOKES WAS ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP SOMEONE IN NEED. I SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIS SHOW OF LOVE AND KINDESS
Rosie Doughty
August 25, 2015
Thanks be to God for the life and now legacy of the Honorable Louis Stokes. What an indescribable gift to so many.
Karla
August 25, 2015
Many have worked hard to effect change in this world. Mr. Louis Stokes was one of those individuals. We can rejoice that Christ Jesus, the King of God's Government will once and for all effect the greatest change, bringing equality and peace to all. May the Father of tender mercies and the God of comfort,strengthen and bring peace to the Stokes family during this difficult time.
Deborah Williford
August 25, 2015
Resting In Peace! Prayers are with the Family as he will be missed. The work he has done speaks for him. Louis Stokes we "All" say Thank You....
Mendon Lezine
August 25, 2015
My Condolence to the family of A Great Man that did Great Things, Not just for Cleveland, But to all that wanted it....You will be Missed Mr. Stokes!!!!!
Patricia Sykes
August 25, 2015
To Jay and the Stokes Family, We want to thank you all for sharing such a Beautiful Man and Beautiful Spirit with us throughout the years. His amazing Love, Kindness and Genuine Caring of people can only be measured by the man that Congressman Louis Stokes Is, Was, and Forever will be. My Husband and I have had the pleasure of meeting you both on a very special occasion as we sat down in the lobby of a very special place to us all and had great conversation as if we had known each other for years. He made us feel just that special and comfortable in the time we all spent together on that wonderful day that we met a Legend of incredible a man named Congressman Louis Stokes and the Legend of the woman who stood with him for 55yrs his lovely wife Jay. To the Stokes Family Thanks ever so much for sharing Congressman Louis Stokes ( "C" Towns) Baby Boy as your daughter would say with us. Rest Now and Sweet Dreams!!! Congressman Stokes, God in Heaven and your family there are waiting for you with open arms. Peace and Blessing Forever to you all.
Sincerely,
Patricia and Harold Sykes, and Family
Janis Underwood
August 25, 2015
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Stokes family, Louis Stokes will certainly be missed,he was such a great man.
Carolyn Cooper
August 25, 2015
My Condolences and Prayers go out to Judge Angela Stokes and her family, during this time of loss. Judge Angela and I were members of the same Church, and we were both Baptized on New Years Eve.
"To Be Absent From The Body, Is To Be Present With The Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8.
Carolyn Cooper
August 25, 2015
Preview Entry
My Condolences and Prayers go out to Judge Angela Stokes and her family, during this time of loss. Judge Angela and I were members of the same Church, and we were both Baptized on New Years Eve.
"To Be Absent From The Body, Is To Be Present With The Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8.
Carter
August 25, 2015
With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to a man who devoted his life to the quest of making this world a more safe and just play for all humanity. I am most confident that his deeds of godly devotion and justice for all are stored in God's memory. For we have been assured that "he is a God, not of the dead, but of the living, for they are all living to him." Louis Stokes will be fondly remembered by all who cherished the life he lived.
August 25, 2015
To the Stokes family: Thank you for sharing the memorial of this great man with the city and nation he loved. Many men hold leadership roles but few exemplify his remarkable gift of making all people feel good about themselves and a common cause. He was amazing in selfish altruism and understood true leadership exist for the people. His life accomplishments are a benchmark for future leaders. You shoulld be so proud because clearly his legacy lives in his grandchildren and many leaders he mentored including me. Though your hearts are heavy remember, his great works are institionalized forever, and his memories live in each of you.
My heart and prayers are with you.
Dr. Wenifort Washington
Carolyn Cooper
August 25, 2015
My Condolences and Prayers go out to Judge Angela Stokes and her family, during this time of loss. Judge Angela and I were members of the same Church, and we were both Baptized on New Years Eve.
"To Be Absent From The Body, Is To Be Present With The Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8.
Millie Brown
August 25, 2015
Prayers to the family of Congressman Louis Stokes. It was an honor to have kown you. The Brown family
Raymond & Althea Ruffin
August 25, 2015
To The Stokes Family:
I am so sorry for your lost & the lost of a great man from the City of Cleveland Ohio
God will give you all the strength you need just call on Him. Your earthly patriarch is at rest. Now as always call on your heavenly father. God Bless you all.
August 25, 2015
the I.C Nelson/ Davis family.
Mark Gurvis
August 25, 2015
I met Congressman Stokes as a young professional at the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland, where I began my career in the mid-1980's. Among my first assignments was our advocacy program focused on gaining freedom for Jews in the Soviet Union. Congressman Stokes was a forceful advocate on their behalf and was present at every event, rally and gathering our community held to focus attention on this human rights cause. Throughout his tenure in office Congressman Stokes was always available and always responsive. May his memory be for a blessing. Mark Gurvis, Jewish Federations of North America, New York
Margo Campbell
August 25, 2015
With my Deepest Sympathy to the Louis & Carl Stokes "FAMILY" Much Love & Much Prayer!!!
Robert Nash
August 25, 2015
Sincere thoughts of condolence to the family of a wonderful human being. Congressman Stokes will be missed, not only for his hard work and countless contributions made to Cleveland, but to the country as a whole. My prayers are with you. -
Mayor Robert L. Nash, Village of Highland Hills
DeAndre Clemons
August 25, 2015
May condolence to family and friends of a great man.
August 25, 2015
A true historic figure for OH...a mentor to many...Rest In Peace...
Victoria Coates Columbus OH
C Morgan
August 25, 2015
To the Stokes Family,
I was recently at a event at my church Mt. Zion of Oakwood Village in May of 2015 where I was given the opportunity to meet Congressman Stokes and take a picture with him. It was the first time I had met him, when I asked him if I could take a picture with him he smiled and said sure of course.
I was honored to do so and I am glad that I asked him.
Such a great loss to the city and the world but it is Gods gain to have this wonderful man in his presence.
May God be with each of you during this time.
Respectfully,
C. Morgan
August 25, 2015
No matter what your trials are, or how big your mountain seems; The Lord is there to see you through; He'll go to all extremes. So if your cross seems hard to bear, and you know not what to do; The One who loves you most of all will be there to see you through.
Second Mt. Olive Baptist Church Congregation
G. Clemons
August 25, 2015
My sympathies to the Stokes Family. God will see you through. Much love.
Colleen McMahon
August 25, 2015
Heartfelt sympathy to the family of Congressman Louis Stokes with appreciation for his decades of service and leadership.
Larry and vernessa Saulsberry
August 25, 2015
Condolences to the family
August 25, 2015
May your family be blessed during this time. God''s love and comfort uphold you all.
Dea. & Sis. William Pounds
Jacqueline Tabb
August 25, 2015
First let me thank the family for sharing your dad with Cleveland he was a wonderful human being I will always remember what he done for us as hold . May God continue to watch over you all in this time of sadness bless Ms Stokes sending so much love and hugs from . Jacqueline Tabb and family
jeffrey fitzgerald
August 25, 2015
safe in the arms of god
August 25, 2015
safe in the arms of god work well done this nation mourns your loss Jeffrey fitzgerald
Cecile Crawford
August 24, 2015
We have truly lost a legend, my prayers goes out to the family.Gone but never ever will be forgotten. May God continue to bless you.
sharon van buren
August 24, 2015
A light has gone out, but the memories are forever in our hearts. Earth has no Sorrows that Heaven cannot heal. My prayers are with the family, may you find peace in the arms of Jesus. Sharon Van Buren (Cleveland, Ohio)
Amanda Porter
August 24, 2015
Lori and family, we are sorry for your loss. Praying for your family. God is able to give you strength to endure. Pastor Timothy Porter and family.
The Hill-Washington Family
August 24, 2015
to the Family of the Honorable Louis Stokes,
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kep the faith." IITimothy 4:7
Rest in Peace Great Shepherd.
Mary Holly and Holly Familey
August 24, 2015
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Tiffany Bonner
August 24, 2015
My condolence to the Stokes Family.
Nancy Frederico
August 24, 2015
Please accept my sincere condolences for Rep. Louis Stokes. May his memory be eternal.
Vance Triplett & Family
August 24, 2015
Rest in peace Louis Stokes!
August 24, 2015
We appreciate your contributions to the community and the nation. With Love and Respect, The Bethany Baptist Church Family
Denise Mitchell
August 24, 2015
My condolence to the Stokes family.Louis & Carl gave so much to the city of Cleveland.They shall never be forgotten.God Bless
SHARON HENDERSON
August 24, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Norma Taylor
August 24, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Louis Stokes passing. He will always be remembered by myself as one of the great men in history. Rest In The Peace of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,Amen
August 24, 2015
With deepest regrets and hearfelt sorrow in the passing of one of Cleveland's best! Congressman Louis Stokes will be truly missed.
Respectfully,
Attorney Stuart H. Lippe and Staff
August 24, 2015
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't cure. My God keep you in his loving arm in the loss of a great icon Honorable Congressman Louis Stokes a great friend to all.
Humbly submitted,
Geraldine M. Frounder
August 24, 2015
With heartfelt sympathy in the loss of a great pillar of society and friend to all. Louis Stokes will be greatly missed.
Judge Ann B Maschari, Retired
August 24, 2015
My heart is saddened by the passing of our dear brother and congressman. we thank god that he was on loan to us as many years that we had him. he is truly an icon, leader,legened and pathway to may to leadership. I will miss him and he will live in my life as long as I live. I wanted to sing at his service walk around heaven all day and I know that is what he will be doing until we all meet again. god bless the stokes family in this sorrowful and difficult time.
Gail cohen
August 24, 2015
Louis had a wonderful Heritage at Karamu. Rowena always talked about his Mother. I was glad that he got to see my DVD of Rowena Jelliffe. It meant much to me and to him that he saw it. Years ago he spoke at the Cleveland Club on Terrorism before any one else was talking about it. I was proud to know Louis. He achieved much and it was not easy. He became the most he could be. That is a legacy to cherish. My love to his wife who he met at Karamu. The Family of Karamu is less now with his death. Larry Barclay just told me of Louis's passing. I am very sad, and my best to all who gather Today and will be at his funeral service Tomorrow. I will be there in spirit. Farewell Louis. You made your City and Country a better place to live.
The Moxley Family
August 24, 2015
My heart goes out to the Entire Stokes Family. Congressman Stokes was truly an amazing gentleman. He cared about people no matter what their station was in life. His kindness was a thing of beauty and so was his smile. Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever. God bless you all!
Eva Trumbo
August 24, 2015
You will always be a hero to me I wish all our officers in DC were like you. You may not always agreed with the other side, you were always willing to work in order to find a compromise. R.I.P. Congressman Stokes. We loved you as much as you loved us.
Ramona Bobo
August 24, 2015
To the family of a great family Louis Stokes,you have my condolences. Im so proud he's leaving a great legacy to the Greater Cleveland area.
Bertha Crawford
August 24, 2015
May God bless you and your family my mother and I was so proud of Mr Stokes may God bless you and your family with love Bertha.
August 24, 2015
Thank you, the Honorable Mr. Stokes, and BTW, honorary nurse Stokes, for all that you have done for the families of Ohio, the nation, and the world. My life is richer for having had your influence.
My thoughts are with the family today and I will talk with my students about his legacy this week. Dr Evanne Juratovac & Family
CHARLIE GATSON
August 24, 2015
THANK YOU CONGRESSMAN STOKES
FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR CLEVELAND! MAY YOU REST IN
PEACE. GOD BLESS THE STOKES FAMILY. FROM THE GATSON FAMILY ON PRINCE.
August 24, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Donna Golson
August 24, 2015
Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all (ye) that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Thank you Congressman Stokes for all of your work for the State of Ohio, and especially the Cleveland Community. God Bless the Stokes Family.
August 24, 2015
With deepest sympathy to the Stokes family, he was a very great asset to our city.
Wade Family, Cleveland, Oh
RICHARD PAYNE
August 24, 2015
GOOD MORNING TO THE LOUIS STOKES FAMILIY MY NAME IS MR. PAYNE I AM VERY DEEPLY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVE ONE LOUIS. I HAVE MET LOUIS 20 YEARS AGO IN WASHINGTON DC AT THE NATION CAPITAL HE HAVE WELCOME ME THERE WITH A GREAT PERSONALITY WE BOTH TO A PICTURE TOGETHER IN SIDE THE ROTUNDA. MAY GOD BLESS AND HEAL ALL OF YU IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME OF LOSS. WE ALL LOSS A GREAT PERSON - HERO - FAMOUS LEGEND - AND LEADER WHO HAVE ALLWAYS STOOD UP TALL TO EVERY ONE. IT WAS A HONOR IN MY LIFE TO MEET LOUIS GOD BLESS YU ALL.
Regina Perry
August 24, 2015
Thank you and the family for the legacy you have given us and the encouragement you instill within each of us to leave our own mark for the goodness of all people. God Bless You!
Vera Hughes
August 24, 2015
My sincere thanks to the family of the honorablel Louis Stokes for all the wonderful acts of kindness you showed me when I called your office. Your response was yes I would be honored to speak to foster care children during their rites of passage ceremony. Love you
Donald "Corky" Williams
August 24, 2015
A Gentlman Giant with a compassionate, humble indelibly imprinted presence will be missed and whose shoes difficult to fill
Carrie A. R. Reeves and Family
August 23, 2015
My family and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Stokes and the entire Stokes' family. I had the opportunity to get to know the Congressman when I worked with the Upward Bound Program at Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Stokes was one of the most thoughtful, principled and respected Members of the House to serve throughout his tenure. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the contributions he made which will continue to impact us now and in future generations.
Jack Benna
August 23, 2015
My condolences to Jay, Angie,Shelly and Chuck. "Cap" was a good man who had a very nice family. He will be missed. I am glad I had the pleasure of meeting him. God Bless
Bernice Shaw
August 23, 2015
Thank you Congressman for your dedicated service and the legacy you leave behind.
carolyn
August 23, 2015
The Family,
My sincere condolences for your loss. May the God of loving kindness be with you and your family.
August 23, 2015
Thank you Congressman for your years of service to the city, state and this nation. We are a better people and Nation because of you. Rest in peace. James Jones
Eleanor Simmons Villalonga
August 23, 2015
Mr. Stokes, a servant to the people of Ohio and his fellow man. Outstanding.
Mr. Stokes did not take up space on this earth. He worked diligently and has left an amazing legacy. I thank him for his service. My condolences to his wife, family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Vanessa Williams
August 23, 2015
My deepest condolences to The Stokes Family. May Mr. Congressman Louis Stokes rest in peace in God's loving arms. Thank you for all you have done. God bless.
ronald geter
August 23, 2015
This is Ronnie Geter I would like to add what a great loss this is to the Stokes family,what a fine person ,father he was. I & my family sent our heartfelt condolences. I am so sorry I could not attend.But know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Patrice Cartier
August 23, 2015
Thank you for your service..RIP
KAREN
August 23, 2015
MAY GOD BLESS THE STOKES FAMILY. THANK YOU MR. STOKES FOR YOUR VALUABLE TIME.
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