Lula Bell Stokes

She lived a life rooted in strength, faith, and resilience. Lula received her early education in Mississippi, attending Springhill School, and later continued her education through Adult School in Las Vegas, NV.

At the age of twelve, Lula accepted Christ under the leadership of Reverend Chaney at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and devotion.

In the late 1950s, Lula relocated to Owensboro, Kentucky, and later moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, before making Las Vegas, Nevada her permanent home in 1969. That same year, she joined Bethel Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as a member of the Senior Usher Board. Throughout her life, she remained active in her faith, also holding membership at Gethsemane Baptist Church and Grace Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church.

On April 28, 1970, Lula was united in marriage to Frank Stokes. Together, they built a life of love and family, and she lovingly helped raise and adopt Frank’s grandson, Rafael Stokes.

Lula was a dedicated and hardworking woman. She was employed at the Sahara Hotel and the Barbary Coast, where she faithfully worked as a uniform room attendant until her retirement on March 31, 1995.

She was also a proud member of the order of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Queen Esther Grand Chapter, where she exemplified grace, service, and sisterhood.

In her quiet moments, Lula found joy in reading her Bible and listening to the radio—simple pleasures that reflected her peaceful and faithful spirit.

Lula was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Stokes; her son, Rafael Stokes; her parents, Wilson Nelson and Johnell McCray; her siblings, John Nelson, Charles A. Nelson, Eva Charlean Nelson, and Annie Florence Nelson; and her stepbrother, Woodrow Poe.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: one sister, Mary Helen (Freddie) Gordan of Moreno Valley, California; one stepbrother, John Connor of Detroit, Michigan; her beloved grandson, Eshond Stokes of Newark, New Jersey; one niece, Carolyn Cardwell of North Las Vegas, Nevada; seven nephews, Anthony Spencer of Riverside, California, Sedrick Spencer of Los Angeles, California, John Arthur Nelson of Loris, South Carolina, Raymond Nelson of Cleveland, Ohio, Antonio Harris of Owensboro, Kentucky, Derrick Tinsley, Joseph Nelson of North Las Vegas, Nevada; two godchildren, Jamila Nelson and Ambrosia Hall, both of Las Vegas, Nevada; her dear best friend, Arnette Moore; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.

Lula Bell Stokes lived a long and meaningful life, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, strength, and devotion that will never be forgotten.