Helen Marie Stokes' Obituary
Journalist, writer Helen Stokes died January 11, 2014.
Helen was born in Waco, TX on October 24, 1925, to the late Charles Harris and Aline Barclay. She received a master’s degree in mass communication from California State University. She was married to the love of her life the late Willie Stokes for 45 years.
Helen was the first black female executive at Blue Cross of Northern California where she ultimately retired. She also worked as a nurse for Dr. Anderson at a hospital in Oakland.
She was a Red Carpet Realtor, a licensed cosmetologist, and taught in Oakland Public schools. Helen was also appointed to the City of Oakland Civil Service Commission.
The legacy of her presence lives on in the seeds of philanthropic love and kindness she shared. She also wrote many stories for the Post Religion section.
She served in various capacities at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, the St. John Baptist Association, Black Film Makers Hall of Fame, Patron of the Arts, United Negro College Fund, Delta Sigma Theta, City of Oakland Civic Service Commission, as a St. Leo the Great Parent coordinator, faith based mediator and on the Pacific Park Plaza Board.
She leaves her daughter; Sherri Ann Stokes, son-in-law Greg Mitchell and grandson Chet Stokes.
A viewing will be held at Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home from 2 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday January 26, 2014. The funeral will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2014 at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 1909 Market Street, Oakland, CA 94607, where Dr. Gregory B. Payton is the Pastor. The interment follow immediately at Rolling Hills Memorial Park in Richmond, CA.
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