Josephine Stokes, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. She was born February 12, 1944, to Josephine Arthur in Orrville, AL. She confessed her love for Christ at a young age. Josephine graduated high school from the Dallas County school system in Beloit, AL. She went on to receive an Associate degree for Business  Administration from Gateway Technical College in Racine, WI.

Josephine was united in marriage to Cornell Stokes Sr. for 43 years until the time of his death on May 5, 2023. Josephine was a dedicated, faithful, and committed member of New Omega Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years until her health began to fail. While a member at New Omega, Josephine was the head of the Hospitality Committee, and apart of The Admirations, and the Senior Choir.

Josephine enjoyed gardening, cooking, and traveling. She also loved entertaining her family and friends. Josephine was employed as an Administrator at J. I. Case Company for over 30 years until she retired.

Josephine leaves to cherish her fond memories: a daughter, Virginia Marshall-Weaver; a son, Melvin Arthur Sr.; 3 stepdaughters, Sheila Stokes, Delina (Johnny) Reed, Sharon Stokes; stepson, Cornell Stokes Jr.; a sister, Regina Avant; 2 brothers, Timothy Marshall and Patterson Marshall; 2 grandchildren, Andre Clark and Melvin Arthur Jr.; 7 great grandchildren, Ja'Varria, Arthur, Antonio Ramariz, Nevari Fralin, Prince Arthur, Ka'Leeah Clark, Namya Clark and Kaecii Arthur ; 1 godson, Marques Marshall; Special friends, Mary Jeffries, Courtney & Virginia Jackson, Burnette Horton, and Emmitt & Winnie McGhee and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Sam & Mattie Arthur; her parents, James & Josephine Marshall; her husband, Cornell Stokes Sr: her brother, James Arthur; her sister, Dora Mullins; 5 aunts, Amanda Marshall, Orlean Arthur, Mary Ballard, Sally Shivers, and Virginia Webster; 2 uncles, Ezekiel Arthur and Elijah Arthur; 3 nieces, Patricia Walker, Ranisha Mullins-Ward, Edwina Mullins; 1 nephew, Ed Mullins and 2 brothers-in-law, Ed Mullins, and Willie Avant.

Service Details

Celebration of Life and Homegoing Services for Josephine will be held at New Omega Baptist Church, 5731 Northwestern Avenue, Racine on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 11:00AM. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday beginning at 10:00AM until the time of service.