Billy Joe Stokes, a member of one of the first Black families in Riverside,  recently passed.

Stokes was born to Maitland LaVerne Stokes and Cora (Peggy) Stovall Stokes on August 26, 1934 in Los Angeles, CA. He had one brother, Bailey LaVerne Stokes. Both parents and his brother preceded him in death.

Jack Stokes’ (Coche’r Car Club member since 1956,) casket with flower arrangement of club seal and broken wheel.

As a teen, he accepted Christ into his heart and was baptized at Park Avenue Baptist Church.

He met and married Willa Jean Wafer in August of 1954 and to this union were born four daughters. The first child, Linda Janine passed shortly after birth.  They were later blessed with Deborah, Melinda and Lisa.

Stokes enjoyed many hobbies, but his passion was the Coche'r Car Club which was formed in 1956. The club motto is "Les Amis Pour Tou Jours" meaning friends forever. This commitment of friendship to his club brothers was something he honored till his last breath.

Stokes had a career at the California School for the Deaf as a Grounds Supervisor. Additionally, he held many positions including president of the local California State Employee Association.  He gave assistance to fellow employees and could be counted on to help and to be a friend. He retired in 1992.

Members of the Stokes family, decendants of one of the first Black families to arrive in Riverside in the 1800’s.

He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life: wife Dora Stokes; daughters Deborah Stokes, Melinda Turk and Lisa Allison; sons-in-law, George Turk and Carl Allison; grandchildren, Brittany and Brianne Greene, Tyler and Joshua Turk, David and Daniel Allison and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.