Heston Stokes

Heston Maximillian Stokes ("Max")

September 18, 1977 - March 19, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Max, who left us on March 19, 2025, after an extremely long and courageous battle with colon cancer. He was surrounded by his wife and children in his final moments, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, kindness, and determination.

Born on September 18, 1977, in Chicago, IL, Max was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, grandson, grandfather, and friend to many, that also became family. He was a man raised by women who helped him become the man he was, shaping his strength, compassion, and unwavering love for family.

Max was a kind soul, a gentle teddy bear with a heart full of love for those around him. He had a special way of making everyone feel special, seen, heard, important.

He always blessed his family with hugs and kisses, making sure they knew how deeply they were loved and accepted, unconditionally. His infectious smile could light up any room, bringing warmth and joy to all who knew him. His sense of humor was unmatched, always bringing laughter with his shenanigans -including jokingly identifying as Puerto Rican, much to the amusement of his friends and family.

He found joy in spending time with his family, camping, and fishing, boating, as well as staying active at the gym. He always pushed himself to be stronger both physically and mentally, especially through his five-year cancer journey, determined every day to beat it. Max was also a die-hard fan of the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Cubs, never missing a game and always cheering on his teams with passion.

His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he deeply loved his church family at Discovery Church, where he volunteered in multiple ways for many years. He helped with building projects for Discovery, always lending a hand to improve and strengthen the church he loved so much. Max's generosity and devotion to his faith left a lasting impact on everyone around him.

Max is survived by his nurturing and caring wife, Vanessa; his cherished children, Hailey, Neomi, Jayden, and Natalia; his beloved mother, Marsha; his loving grandmother, Margaret; his adored grandchildren, Silas, Jahseh, and Alexani, who lovingly knew him as PawPaw. He is also survived by his siblings, LaJuan, Quin (Clare), and Amber; his nieces, Jace, Abigail, Aryana, Alisa, and Amari; his nephews, David, Danny, and Jayson; as well as his cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who became family.

Max was preceded in death by his beautiful beloved grandmother, Johnnie Mae Stokes, whom also played a major role in raising him.

The Memorial for Max will be held on March 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Discovery Church, 200 Prairie Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

Any flowers may be delivered to Discovery Church at the above address, between 10am-1pm.

All monetary donations will be sent to City of Hope in Max's memory, supporting cancer research and awareness, as well as supporting families in need during their difficult journeys.

Though he is no longer with us, his love, his laughter, his infectious smile, his unwavering faith his steadfast strength, and the amazing grit and determination he demonstrated during his battle, will remain in our hearts forever.