John Lemacks Stokes, III

Dr. John L. Stokes, III, 82, of Wilmington, passed away Wednesday morning, April 21st at his residence, with his family by his side.  John was born February 25, 1939 in Greensboro, North Carolina, to parents Dr. J. Lem Stokes II and Alda Beamon Stokes.  His early years were spent growing up with his sister, Anne Stokes Seamon.  John graduated from Pfeiffer College (BA), Candler School of Theology at Emory University (M. Div), and from Drew University (Ph.D). 

John was the Pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Rahway, NJ.  His first teaching job was at Oklahoma City University.  He then went on to serve as Chairman of the English Department at Campbell University.  In 1973 John accepted a teaching position at UNC-Wilmington, where he served as Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and started the General College Advising Center.  In 1999, John received the Excellence in Teaching Award.

John’s faith was strong and he loved the Lord.  He was a member of the NC Methodist Conference, sang in the choir at Wesley UMC for over 25 years, taught Sunday school classes and Bible studies, and also performed sacraments.  Two of John’s highlights in his life were marrying his three daughters and one of his granddaughters, and baptizing all twelve of his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister.  Surviving are his wife of 57 years, MaLou Dunlap Stokes, daughters LouAnn Peterson (Pete), Susan Latour (Ken), and Lara Galloway.  He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, Kelly, Spencer, Jordan (Carson), Caitlin (Alex), Sarah, Davis, John, Madison, Isabelle, Elizabeth, Cole and Samantha.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 23rd, at Pine Valley UMC, 3788 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington.  Service will be officiated by Pastors Tim Reaves and Kim Collins.  The family will receive friends following the service at church.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Kevin Brennan and Dr. Donna Weber (M.D. Anderson Cancer Center) and Hospice Staff, especially Shawn Johnson (longtime friend and hospice nurse) and Renee Beccue (Hospice evening nurse) for their concern and excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pine Valley UMC, Wesley UMC, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, of Pfeiffer College.