Howard Stokes Jr.

Howard Edward Stokes, Sr.

Brandon, MS

Howard Edward Stokes, Sr., 72, passed away on Thursday May 5, 2016, following the untimely death of his wife of 52 years, Patricia Workman Stokes, along with a short illness. Services will be Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at 2 PM at Mynelle Gardens in Jackson. Howard was a devoted husband, caring father, successful entrepeneur, and a giving son, brother, and friend to many. He was always a respectful and helpful citizen and leader of his community. He loved the Lord and lived a life based on following the 10 commandments. Howard was truly fortunate because he was able to live out the American dream. He came from humble beginnings to much success later in life. He never let the hardships or mistreatment he received along the way keep him down. Failures were stepping stones and inspiration for new ventures. He knew that hard work and honest, frugal living along with the right opportunities were the ingredients for his success because life is what you make of it. While work came first, he still was able to use humor He also felt it his responsiblity to help his family and friends so that they could achieve success too. He knew that being a good influence and of service to others was how he wanted to leave his mark on the world. Howard was a pay it forward guy and he left the world and his family better than he found it. He will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; and parents, Sisson Sebastion Stokes and Maedell Stokes; brothers, Charles Sidney Stokes and Dale Boise Stokes; sister, Sylvia Stokes Hill; and daughter, Shari Ann Stokes.

He is survived by his brothers, Eugene Sidney Stokes and Harry Truman Stokes; sister, Shirley Stokes Doeker, 4 children, Howard Edward Stokes, Jr. (Julie), Tracy Stokes Verser (Delton), Barry Shane Stokes, and Mindy Shay Stokes. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren, Andrew Tyler Verser, Sarah Holland Stokes, Zachary Logan McElroy, Howard Edward Stokes, III (Trace), Elyssa Brielle Stokes, Sheldon Spell Stokes, Savannah Belle Crain, and Channing Shippe Stokes as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.