Obituary for Essie Mae Stokes (Holmes)
Essie Mae (Holmes) Stokes, 89 of Battle Creek, MI went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at home. She was born on March 25, 1932, the daughter of Martin Holmes and Georgia (Liggins) Holmes.
Essie grew up and attended schools in Durant, Mississippi. She then moved to Waterloo, Iowa where she met the love of her life the late Lester “Preacher Boy” Stokes. They were married for 65 years. She held many jobs working for families in the city of Battle Creek, Fort Custer, and Coldwater State Hospital where she retired after many years.
Essie is survived by her daughters, Patricia (Andrew) Figgures, Barbara Weever; son, Lester Stokes Jr.; sisters, Barbara (Richard) Young, Cora (Andrew) Howard; 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 35 great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren and loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Shirley Stokes; four sisters, one brother and Godson, Eric Cummings.
Essie loved shopping, cooking (collard greens)-her specialty, traveling back home to Mississippi, and spending time with her family. She loved spending time and sharing memories with her special friends, Nadine Watson, Jerri Bridges and Joyce Hubbard. She also loved her church family as well as attending church where she received and was proud of receiving a plaque on June 27, 2021, for many years of dedicated service and commitment to God in Christ Temple Church.
Family hour was held on Monday, November 22, 2021 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with the funeral service to celebrate her life starting at 12:00 pm with Pastor Tony Thomas officiating.
Interment took place at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service. www.baxterfuneral.com
Essie grew up and attended schools in Durant, Mississippi. She then moved to Waterloo, Iowa where she met the love of her life the late Lester “Preacher Boy” Stokes. They were married for 65 years. She held many jobs working for families in the city of Battle Creek, Fort Custer, and Coldwater State Hospital where she retired after many years.
Essie is survived by her daughters, Patricia (Andrew) Figgures, Barbara Weever; son, Lester Stokes Jr.; sisters, Barbara (Richard) Young, Cora (Andrew) Howard; 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 35 great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren and loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Shirley Stokes; four sisters, one brother and Godson, Eric Cummings.
Essie loved shopping, cooking (collard greens)-her specialty, traveling back home to Mississippi, and spending time with her family. She loved spending time and sharing memories with her special friends, Nadine Watson, Jerri Bridges and Joyce Hubbard. She also loved her church family as well as attending church where she received and was proud of receiving a plaque on June 27, 2021, for many years of dedicated service and commitment to God in Christ Temple Church.
Family hour was held on Monday, November 22, 2021 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with the funeral service to celebrate her life starting at 12:00 pm with Pastor Tony Thomas officiating.
Interment took place at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service. www.baxterfuneral.com