Reverend William (Billy) Stokes

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. On Sunday November 28, 2021, William Howard Stokes affectionately known as “Billy” received his wings and ascended into Heaven in time to join in the celebration of our mother’s the 103^rd birthday. Billy was the 4^th child born to the late Leroy Sr. and A. Elizabeth Stokes on August 11, 1945, in Greensboro, NC and was the apple of his mother’s eye and everyone was very much aware of it. 

Billy was educated in the Greensboro Public School system, he attended Washington Street Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High and James B. Dudley High school. After high school, Billy entered the US Army and served from 1969-1971. After working several jobs in the community, Billy decided to continue his education and enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University where he received a BS degree in Social Work in 1982. Billy’s quest for learning led him to Methodist Theology School in Delaware, Ohio where he received a MA degree in Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Ministry in 1987.

In 1978 Billy married Magadeline Allen, this union was blessed with two children, Courtney and Khristy Stokes.

Billy gave his life to the Lord in 1978 and served the Lord with gladness. He was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, and you always knew when he was in the house of the Lord because he was known to praise the Lord with a dance and his unique way of hollering “Glory”. Billy attended Mt. Zion United Church of God and grew in the Lord under the teaching of the late Bishops Vander D. Purcell, Sr., and James Richardson.  He later attended Sanctuary Deliverance Church of the Living Word under the leadership of the late Bishop D. Vander Purcell Sr. Billy accepted the call of the Lord and faithfully served as Associate Pastor at 1^st United Baptist Church in Sanford, NC, Assistant Pastor of New Goshen Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC and Associate Minister at Godly Love Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC under the leadership of Dr. James E. McCoy.

Billy was employed by Family Services of the Piedmont as a Domestic Violence Intervention Coordinator from February 1994 until his retirement in June 2020. Billy greatly impacted the lives of many men and women in addition to his coworkers and was well respected in the workplace and the community. Billy loved to volunteer and was always willing to help anyone he could. He was a giver with a kind heart but was a no-nonsense person who demanded accountability for one’s won actions and didn’t hesitate to let you know what was on his mind and how he felt but did so in love.

Billy held a special and unique place in our hearts and his presence will be greatly missed. His legacy will live on through those who loved and cherished him including his beloved children: Felicia A. Poteat (Orlando), Courtney Stokes, Khristy S. Scales (Isaac); grandchildren: Shimek Stokes-McQueen, Destiny Allen, Diamond Allen, Brandon Poteat, Jameson Poteat, Kyleigha Scales, and Isaac Scales Jr.; siblings:  Frances (Williams) Peoples and Bettie (Larry) Garner; one aunt: Willie Mae Pass; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents Leroy Sr. and A. Elizbeth Stokes, and siblings Leroy Stokes Jr. Marie Morris.

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