Hubert H. Stokes

Hubert Hayes Stokes was born January 8, 1930, to the union of William and Annie Stokes in Saint Louis, Missouri. At an early age his family moved to Mobile, Alabama, where he became a longtime resident. In addition, he professed Christ and became a born again believer during his youth. Stokes peacefully departed this life on Monday, October 31, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Stokes, his parents, two brothers, and five sisters.
Stokes was better known as "Stop Sign" a name given to him as a result of his incredible ability as a high school and college running back to stop, cut, and change direction on a dime.
A product of the Mobile County Public School System, Stokes attended Central High School and earned varsity letters in football, baseball, and track. After graduating from high school, he matriculated on a football scholarship at Alabama State University where he excelled as a running back. In 1953, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in mathematics and physical education. Also in 1953, he was drafted into the United States Army and served with distinction. After an honorable discharge in 1955, he joined the faculty and staff at Mattie Thomas Blount High School as classroom teacher, athletic director, and the first varsity football coach. Later, he furthered his education by earning a Master of Education degree in 1961 and an AA Certificate in 1963 from Alabama State University.
At the urging of Trinity Gardens High School principal, Mr. Buddy Banks, Coach Stokes transferred there in 1964 to become teacher, athletic director, and head football coach. He remained as teacher, head football coach, and track coach after Trinity Gardens High School was converted into a middle school in 1970. Subsequently in 1987, the school was renamed Elizabeth S. Chastang Middle School. Because of his outstanding tenure at the school as an educator, role model, winning coach, and athletic director, he was honored by the Mobile County Public School System on October 18, 2009 by naming the gymnasium at Chastang Middle School the Hubert H. Stokes Gymnasium.
As a result of his lifetime commitment and capacious efforts to children, his additional honors include inducted in Blount High School Wall of Fame (1997), honored at the Heritage Bowl Game (1998), inducted in the GMAC Champion of Life Hall of Fame (2004), and inducted in the Sports and Leadership Hall of Fame for the City of Prichard (2006). In addition, he has been recognized by the Southern Interscholastic Athletic Association and Mobile County Coaches Association as "Coach of the Year" multiple times.
Stokes served on the Steward Board at the historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, was a member of the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association, President of the Utopia Club, Inc., an Exalted Ruler of Gulf City Lodge #244, and a 60 year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and former Basileus. In addition, he gave his time as a community volunteer with the Mobile Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Program, Mobile Recreation Department, and voter education projects.
Stokes is survived by a loving and devoted daughter, Agatha L. Stokes; a longtime confidante and soul mate, Vivian Lang; two nieces, Alice LeDoux and Velma McGowan; two nephews, Sim Stokes and Howard Campbell; one grandnephew, Gregory Dennis, and a host of other relatives and friends.