Betty was born on March 19, 1946, in Houston, Texas to Dutch and Mildred Lucille Flanakin. She was always staunchly independent, even while attending Sam Houston High School, Betty would catch a bus after school and head to downtown Houston where she worked at Lady Orly Hosiery Store. After graduation, she quickly found a job at Western Electric Company as a travelling secretary. While working on the construction site of the new Houston Intercontinental Airport, she caught the eye of a young man. He finally got the courage to ask her on a date and she said he could join her at prayer meeting. That was the beginning of 55 years, 2 handsome sons and 2 perfect grandchildren. After moving to Saraland, AL, and raising her boys, Betty worked at Alfa Insurance Company for a number of years. One of her passions included sewing – if you knew her for very long, she would be sure to make you a personalized quilt. Betty also loved flowers and just recently was overjoyed to count 13 blooms on one of her Easter Lilies. Betty loved the Lord and was a part of Destination Church’s Prayer Team where she was known to dress in camo to remind the group to be mighty prayer warriors. Her enduring faith and beautiful smile were an ever-present testimony to all those whom she encountered.
Betty is survived by her sons James Thomas Stokes (Donya) of Fairhope, Alabama and Ronnie Wade Stokes (Dena) of Satsuma, Alabama; grandchildren Gavin Thomas Stokes and Lauren Bayley Stokes; brother Robert Flanakin (Anne), sisters Judy Smith, Eve Jane Gray (Bobby) and sister in law Carrol Ann Smith (Rodney).
She was preceded in death by her husband James Ronald “Ronnie” Stokes; parents, Dutch Flanakin and Mildred Lucille (Baxter) Flanakin; her brother James Donald “Jimmy” Flanakin; and her sister Jeanette Brumlow.
Betty will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.
A celebration of life service will be held at Radney Funeral Home in Saraland, AL on Saturday, July 16, at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Betty to the Hope Center Attn: Dana Smith at 10274-A Highway 104, Fairhope, AL 36532.
