Jonas Stokes' Obituary
JONAS BRAD STOKES was born in Detroit, Michigan from the union of Jeffrey Benjamin Stokes and Anna Maria Richardson in Detroit, MI. Preceding his death were his mother, Anna Maria Richardson, and grandparents, Mary Magdalene Lamb McMillan and John William McMillan. Jonas passed away suddenly in his sleep on Friday September 28, 2012.
When Jonas was born, he was the light of our life and such a sweet baby. His mom was very young and she and Jeff got married one weekend when he was on furlough from the army. Stationed in Kentucky, Anna and Jeff wanted to make sure all was well before they took Jonas with them so they left Jonas with their families in Detroit. He lived with his maternal family that included grandmother, grandfather and four aunts. About two blocks away were his paternal grandparents and more aunts and uncles. He was our first baby born at this time, and we all spoiled and cared for Jonas. He was our baby. When his parents came for him, we were all devastated and so sad when he had to leave. He was very sad too!
After staying in Kentucky for a few years, they lived in Germany for another few years and finally moved to Washington. They always kept in touch and visited Detroit as much as possible, but we did not get to be with them for the next eight years until they moved to Washington. His maternal family began moving from Detroit to Washington to be with them all in 1989.
Jonas was always a good student and smart through his childhood as well as adulthood. He wanted to be a counselor so he attended Tacoma Community College to study Human Services to become a Drug and Alcohol counselor. He was always good at computers so he attended Bates Technical College and received his Associates of Technology Degree in Computer Repair and Networking. He liked to read and he knew a little about many things. He was soft spoken and quiet, but when he did make conversation, he left a person contemplating the depth of his statements.
Jonas endured some difficult times and some serious situations in his life, and once he became an adult he became a dedicated husband and father. He married his wife, Tesia, in October 2005. He and his family joined the Altheimer Church in 2009 and he turned his life over to God for guidance and direction. He set lots of goals and during his most difficult time decided to -Å"simplify- his life. He said this meant not occupying his life with those things that were not productive, meaningless or took time away from his family.
He demonstrated his love for his family in all his ways by overcoming obstacles and showing that his family was most important in life. He worked very hard to take care of his family. He enjoyed spending time with his boys and took them to their games, making videos and teaching them to become productive and caring men.
Jonas will be sorely missed, but he left us with so many wonderful memories and proud to know such a wonderful and loving man.
He leaves to celebrate his homegoing and cherished memories: his loving and devoted wife, Tesia Elizabeth Stokes, five children, Ashlyn Elizabeth Stokes, Jonas Brad Stokes Jr., Jayman John Stokes, Jah'nessa Maria Stokes, and Jabril James Stokes. His brother, Jeffrey Benjamin Stokes Jr.; a half brother Jarred Stokes; his father Jeffrey Benjamin Stokes of Detroit, Michigan; his stepfather Vernon Ray Richardson Sr. of Washington; his grandparents: John Benjamin Stokes Sr. and Barbara Jean Stokes. Four nieces and nephews: Zaira'ah Anna Maria Stokes; Ashani Zaire'ah Stokes; Nazeer John Stokes; and Keymoni Stokes. Eleven aunts and uncles; numerous cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.
I'M FREE
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard His call,
I turned my back and I left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I've found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much,
The blessings of a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it -" not with undue grief.
Lift you your heart and share with me.
God wanted me now; He set me free.
What’s your fondest memory of Jonas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jonas?
Share a story where Jonas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jonas you’ll never forget.
How did Jonas make you smile?