Sherri Stokes-Mitchell

November 5, 1958 - March 17, 2020

On November 5, 1958, in Fukuoka, Japan, Willie and Helen Stokes became the parents of one of the world’s most graceful, gentle, generous and caring people—Sherri. Sherri’s the kind of friend everyone cherishes in his or her life. She was always there for you, emphasizing the positive in every situation and seeing it through with a calm courage. There are many words to describe her, but first and foremost she was kind, giving, and dedicated, and her life has left an indelible impression on the world. Sherri grew up in Oakland and attended parochial school, graduating from Holy Names High. She became an example of how one can achieve great heights if they apply themselves. Sherri attended and graduated Alameda Community College, earning her AA degree in General Ed. From there she transferred to Cal State Hayward, were she earned a BA in Communications at the same time that her mother was receiving her Master’s degree at the same school. Sherri followed in her mom’s footsteps and went on to get her Master’s in Public Administration as well. In her professional life, Sherri worked as an Equality Opportunity and Compliance Officer for AC Transit for over 35 Years. In that role she worked tirelessly, insuring equality, equity, diversity, and equal access for everyone. Infused at an early age with the idea that “the virtue of a woman” is guided and given by God, Sherri was raised in St. John Missionary Baptist Church pastored by Reverend Doctor CJ Anderson and at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church pastored by Reverend Doctor Herbert Guice. She worked beside her mother in church in many positions: radio announcer, scholarship coordinator, publicist, pastor’s administrative support team, Girl Scout leader, job-coordination ministry, and on the Sunday school teacher steering committee as a member of the Herbert Guice Academy, to name just a few. She was particularly proud of being a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and she loved working with the Patron of the Arts society, which afforded her the opportunity to explore another of her loves, traveling. She also loved to cook and was perhaps happiest entertaining friends and loved ones in her own home and at her godsister Ernestine’s house. Some people are just born to be of service to others, and Sherri was no different. She was always helping and working with the anyone and everyone she encountered that she felt might need an advocate or hand. Being a mother to her only child was her primary passion in life. She was always there to guide, direct, and nurture her child, but she loved all children and became a second mother to so many. God provides for those who give from their hearts, and in this case, He in turn blessed her heart with the love of her life. She met Gregory (Greg) Mitchell over 30 years ago and was blessed to share her journey with her best friend and the love of her life. On March 17, 2020, Sherri began her new journey. Being thankful for having her in their lives are her loving husband Greg and children Hana, Vernon and Shaleek. She is also survived by her godsister Ernestine Nettles, and her godbrothers Larry Bates, Kyle Newport, and Belvin Smith. She has countless sister in-laws, brother-in laws, nieces and nephews, and countless more family and friends