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John Lemacks Stokes, III
1939 - 2021
John Lemacks Stokes, III
1939 - 2021
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John Stokes, III Obituary
Dr. John L. Stokes, III, 82, of Wilmington, passed away Wednesday morning, April 21st at his residence, with his family by his side. John was born February 25, 1939 in Greensboro, North Carolina, to parents Dr. J. Lem Stokes II and Alda Beamon Stokes. His early years were spent growing up with his sister, Anne Stokes Seamon. John graduated from Pfeiffer College (BA), Candler School of Theology at Emory University (M. Div), and from Drew University (Ph.D).
John was the Pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Rahway, NJ. His first teaching job was at Oklahoma City University. He then went on to serve as Chairman of the English Department at Campbell University. In 1973 John accepted a teaching position at UNC-Wilmington, where he served as Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and started the General College Advising Center. In 1999, John received the Excellence in Teaching Award.
John’s faith was strong and he loved the Lord. He was a member of the NC Methodist Conference, sang in the choir at Wesley UMC for over 25 years, taught Sunday school classes and Bible studies, and also performed sacraments. Two of John’s highlights in his life were marrying his three daughters and one of his granddaughters, and baptizing all twelve of his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, MaLou Dunlap Stokes, daughters LouAnn Peterson (Pete), Susan Latour (Ken), and Lara Galloway. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, Kelly, Spencer, Jordan (Carson), Caitlin (Alex), Sarah, Davis, John, Madison, Isabelle, Elizabeth, Cole and Samantha.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 23rd, at Pine Valley UMC, 3788 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington. Service will be officiated by Pastors Tim Reaves and Kim Collins. The family will receive friends following the service at church.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Kevin Brennan and Dr. Donna Weber (M.D. Anderson Cancer Center) and Hospice Staff, especially Shawn Johnson (longtime friend and hospice nurse) and Renee Beccue (Hospice evening nurse) for their concern and excellent care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pine Valley UMC, Wesley UMC, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, of Pfeiffer College.
8 Entries
Wendy Vonnegut
May 9, 2021
Thank you so much for being such a wonderful professor. Your faith in me made me the person I am today. I not only graduated from Law school and practice law. I am now a professor teaching as you taught me. I am so sorry I never had the chance to thank you.
Marsha Long
April 26, 2021
We were so sorry to hear about John's passing. Know that he is with the Lord and is in good hands now. He will always be in your hearts and thoughts. God protect and comfort you through this time.
William Sutton MD, Raymond Jolly PA-C, Marsha Long, Tiffany and Bethany (Sutton team at Emergeortho).
April 25, 2021
I remember meeting John many years ago through working with his parents. I also remember his lovely wife. He & MaLou we’re kind caring and thoughtful people. I thought the world of his parents, and have the book that his father wrote. They raised a wonderful son who they were very proud of. God bless your family in this difficult time.
Kristen Pierce. Autumn Care
James Merritt
April 23, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about John. I worked with him at UNCW for many years. He was truly a dedicated, caring, and thoughtful member of the team that helped shape the University. His always had positive attitude and was an enthusiastic encourager of students. I offer my sincerest sympathy to Johns family
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Rhodes & Louise Frazier
April 23, 2021
Our deepest sympathy
Bradley Wasson
April 23, 2021
So sorry for your loss! Praying God’s comfort for you all!
Jane and Lamar Williams
April 22, 2021
MaLou, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear, John. I remember with happiness when you were engaged and married. You were blessed with a long and happy marriage, beautiful daughters, grandchildren, and I am sure so many sweet memories. My prayers are with you and your family. I love you, my sweet friend of so many years.
My love, Jane and Lamar
Dorathy Chance
April 22, 2021
Johnny and Anne were teenagers when I was a student at Pfeiffer where their father was president. The entire Stokes family were loved. I feel as if I have lost another family member myself. I remember what a great singing voice Johnny had, and I enjoyed being in the Concert Choir with him. My deepest condolences to his family in their loss. May he Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory. Dot hance
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1617 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401
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