Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet at New Omega Baptist Church (5731 Northwestern Ave.) on Saturday, May 13, 2023 for a visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
A service celebrating his life and Homegoing will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Fred Richmond officiating.
His interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park on Monday, May 15th at 11:00 a.m.
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RACINE – Cornell Stokes Sr., age 82, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023. He was born March 19, 1941 to the late Lee Andrew & Cora (nee: Gill) Stokes in Carthage, Mississippi. He confessed his love for Christ at a young age and joined Christian Union M. B. Church.
Cornell graduated from Conway High School in 1959 in Carthage, Mississippi. Cornell moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin following his graduation and began working right away.
On May 3, 2023, Cornell and Josephine celebrated 43 years of blissful and holy matrimony. Cornell loved being married and loved his wife.
Cornell was employed by Ladish Co. Inc. since 1979 until his retirement. Ladish Co. Inc. is a supplier of high-strength forgings for jet engines and other aerospace and industrial applications. Cornell was very proud of his work.
Cornell was a member of the Southgate Lodge No. 6 – Prince Hall Masons. He was a master at all his crafts. Cornell started playing the piano at the age of 5. He played for a band named King George & the Third Action Band in his earlier years and he played the organ for local churches like New Omega Missionary Baptist Church, and Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church. He was a faithful and committed member of New Omega Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years until his health began to fail. Cornell was a 6th degree Black Belt Martial Artist & a karate instructor. He loved gardening, and loved riding his motorcycle. Cornell loved listening to gospel music like Lee Williams & the Spiritual QCs, the Jackson Southernaires, and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. With this love of gospel music, the Male Choruses in Racine that had him as a director were seen as the best in the city. Cornell also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a quiet, gentle, patient, and kind man. A couple of his famous quotes were “Nothing comes from talking but sound” and “there is power in your silence, know when to speak.”
Cornell leaves to cherish his fond memories: his wife of 43 years, Josephine Stokes of Racine, WI; 4 daughters, Sheila Stokes, Delina (Johnny) Reed, Sharon Stokes all of Milwaukee, WI, Virginia Marshall-Weaver of Racine, WI; 2 sons, Cornell Stokes Jr. of Milwaukee, WI, Melvin Arthur of Racine, WI; 3 brothers-in-laws, R. L. Drain of Canton, MS, Timothy Marshall, Patterson Marshall both of Racine, WI; 3 sisters-in-laws, Gladys Stokes of Carthage, MS, Dora Mullins, Regina Avant both of Racine, WI; Special friends, Courtney & Virginia Jackson, Burnette Horton, and Emmitt & Winnie McGhee, every Male Chorus member he conducted and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and other loved ones.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Lee Andrew and Cora Stokes; 3 brothers, R. L. Stokes, Thomas Jefferson Stokes, and Lindberg Stokes; 4 sisters, Bertha McDonald, Ruth McMillian, Luvader Wilder, and Rozader Drain, and host of aunts, uncles, nieces nephews, and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to meet at New Omega Baptist Church (5731 Northwestern Ave.) on Saturday, May 13, 2023 for a visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A service celebrating his life and Homegoing will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Fred Richmond officiating. His interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park on Monday, May 15th at 11:00 a.m.
Therita Bogan Harris says
The Family Have My Deepest Condolences In The Loss Of. Stokes. He Was A Very Good And Nice Guy Surly A Man Of God.
Ann Kirkwood and Family says
Sending heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family of Mr. Stokes .☀️
Ella. Richardson says
To to the Stokes family and Josephine I so sorry for your lossStokes was a wonderful person and will be missed you all are in my prayers .hang in there
Rev. Ora M. Conley-Bland says
I am sorry for the loss of your loved one and my friend, Mr. Cornell Stokes. He played the piano for my brother, Rev. Edward B. Conley way back in the days.
I will be praying for the family 😢😢😢
Brenda Stokes-Reid says
Rest in peace Uncle Cornell.
Sonjie Stokes-Brown says
Rest in Paradise Uncle Cornell. Hug my father for me. Sending heavy prayers to your lovely wife and to the Stokes family🙏🏾
Dr. Queen Hart, Atlanta Georgia says
My sincere thoughts and prayers to the entire Stokes family. May you find comfort in all the precious memories. I remember when I was a karate student of Mr. Stokes. He was a kind and wise man. God bless you the family during this challenging time.
Allean Leflore says
Rest in peace Cuz
Jozell and Jimmy Davies says
Prayers for the Stokes family. R.I.P Brother Stokes.
Linda ivy says
Sending our prayers of comfort, and sincere condolences to the entire family of Mr Stokes
Jeanette Mcmillian says
Praying God blessing on this family and to comfort and keep you all in your time of sorrow.
Aletha Kimmons Slaughter says
Praying for the Stokes Family
He was a true blessing to all that he met.
Gone, But Not Forgotten
Mary Jeffries and the Bedford Family says
My sincere condolences goes out to the Stokes Family. Cornell was a wonderful man of God who shared his talent of music to many . He will truly be missed by many. RIP Cornell. 🙏❤️
Veronica LeFlore says
Rest in peace
Kenneth & Helen Lumpkin says
Our hearts go out to the Stokes family, you are on our through and prayers. May you find peace and comfort.
Dot says
Sending prayers, comfort, and love to Josephine and the Stokes family. Memories of Stokes: playing the organ for his favor singing group 😀Amiration! It was a joy whenever we met for rehearsals. My last good memory of Stokes was when Earnestine and I visited them in Kenosha, Stokes start playing the piano and we started singing. The people there just loved it.. brought back old memories.
RIP Stokes
Sharon Williams says
To one of the nicest person I knew.He will be missed.Rest easy my friend
Rev. and Mrs, Terry says
Condolences to the Stokes family.
Barbara Pittman says
GOD BLESS YOU UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. LOVE YOU CUZ
Joanne Powell says
Sending my condolences to Josephine and the stokes family.
R J Jones says
Remembering our years in Mississippi and Milwaukee our family love ran deep. Take your rest cousin.