Beloved mother, surrogate mother, grandmother, and trusted friend, Lorene Stokes entered into eternal rest on Friday, October 9, 2015 at the age of 90. Born in Nashville, NC on December 5, 1924, Ms. Stokes was the second youngest of 12 children born to Thomas and Ella (Cooper) Stokes. Her parents and all of her siblings preceded her in death. A resident of the Peninsula for over 57 years, Ms. Stokes was a long time member of Greater Walters AME Zion Church and was a diligent reader and student of God's word. Few things brought her greater comfort and joy than rising early every morning to read her bible. Ms. Stokes was a longtime employee of Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority, where she served earnestly as a custodian. She left quite an impression there as many of the relationships she made lasted until her passing. After retiring from NNRHA in 1987, Ms. Stokes spent many of her "golden years" pouring in to her children, grandchildren, "adopted" children, nieces, nephews and friends, serving as teacher, counselor, nurse, cheerleader and financial advisor. Ms. Stokes was cherished for being someone who listened twice as much as she spoke and offered advice only after being asked to do so. She was a woman of great wisdom, compassion and dignity, often saying "when you succeed at something, don't show off, instead be grateful and act like you're supposed to be there." She leaves to cherish her memories one daughter, Michelle Johnson (Carter) of Norfolk, VA; three sons, Jerome Harper (Shena) of Hampton, VA; James Stokes of Newport News, VA; and Harold Stokes (Beverly) of Fayetteville, NC; eight grandchildren, five greatgrandchildren, a very special niece, Hazel Sills, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other loved ones. Special thanks to the staff of Riverside Hospice Care, particularly Denise Cyrus who lovely attended to Ms. Stokes' personal care and was quickly welcomed into the Stokes family circle. A memorial celebration of Ms. Stokes' life will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Greater Walters' AME Zion Church, 656-28th Street, Newport News. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.funeralfacts.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters in Ms. Stokes' name.