Mr. Jack Philips Stokes passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. The son of the late Winston and Virginia Stokes, Jack Stokes was born on July 8, 1929, in Newport News, VA where he was a life long resident. He attended local public schools. Mr. Stokes was employed in the construction industry as a brick mason and later, in the shipping container industry as a longshoreman. He retired in 1995 after serving many years as a member of the International Longshoremen's Association. In 1991 this Association recognized him for his many years of outstanding service.

Mr. Stokes accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at an early age and was a member of Second Baptist Church East End, for over fifty years. During his many years of church membership, he served as an usher and sang in the choir.

A gregarious, fun loving, generous and hard-working individual, he was known as the man who never met a stranger. His motto was: "Shake the hand of a working man and call the Lord." He was known throughout the community as one who would lend a helping hand where-ever needed.

Jack leaves to mourn his passing his nieces, Virginia Edmonds White (Benjamin), of Cary, NC, Shirley Stokes Trapp (Donald), of Columbus, IN, Portia Fauntleroy Taylor, of Wesley Chapel, FL; nephews, Richard Phillips (Debra), of Rex, GA, and Tyrone Fauntleroy of Newport News, VA. He also leaves a host of grand-nieces and nephews and his dear friend Brenda Baker of Hampton, VA.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Second Baptist Church East End, Newport News, on Saturday, April 1, 2023, beginning at 11 a.m.

Viewing will be on Friday, March 31, from 3 to 6 p.m. at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 3009 Chestnut Ave., Newport News.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.