Charles Stokes

Minister Charles Stokes, 88, of North Charleston, South Carolina, formerly of Beloit, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 6, 2025, at 11:15 p.m. with his sister, Emma Jean by his side. Charles was born on Sunday, January 31, 1937, to Sadie Mae Stokes-King and Charlie Montgomery. Born legally blind, Charles embraced this hurdle by not only learning to read and write braille but also taught other blind children in the Chicago area to do the same. He later increased his lifetime accomplishments by becoming a business owner and minister in the Beloit, Wisconsin area. As a minister, Charles was especially well known for his extreme generosity, compassion, empathy, and his unyielding willingness to always pray for others. Charles seemed to know exactly what to say and how to pray for people. He found the good in all those who he encountered and shared the word of the Lord with everyone around him. Charles was a caring, devoted, and supportive man. His generosity was undeniable, and he would help anyone in need. Ultimately, Charles's compassion knew no bounds; he was simply always there for anyone who needed him. Charles was a member at Little Rock Temple and Calvary Tabernacle Church in Beloit, Wisconsin throughout his adult life. In 2021, Charles had a deep desire to return home to North Charleston, South Carolina and decided to move back there under his sister, Emma Jean's care. She took wonderful care of him through his final moments. While living in North Charleston Charles made Enoch Chapel UMC Church his church home and was a member until his final days. Special thanks to Reverend Victoria Richardson, and his sister Emma Jean, and Charles's care teams in North Charleston. Charles is survived by his children, Chaves R. Stokes, Michelle J. Stokes, Amy V. (Walter) Stokes-Spearman, Melissa L. Stokes, Charletta D. (Nikki) Stokes, and Michael E. Kucera; grandchildren, Jakub, Kennan, Daniel, Monica, Tianna, Joshua-Allen, Walter Jr Alexus, Elizabeth, Aaliyah, and Keegan; siblings: Wilhelmina, Emma Jean, and Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sadie & Charlie; siblings, Richard Eugene Stokes, Earl King, Lynn Derrick King, Jackqulyn Thompson, Rosa Lee Coleman, and Ethel King; wife, Bonnie J. Stokes; and the mother of his children, Roberta Ann Plotzke. Visitation is 12:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Hansen-Gravitt Funeral Home, 424 Prospect Street, Beloit, Wisconsin 53511. Online condolences can be shared at www.hansengravitt.com To send a flower arrangement in memory of Charles Stokes, please click here to visit our sympathy store. Hansen-Gravitt Funeral Home