James Lee Stokes

James Lee Stokes peacefully departed this life on November 15, 2022. He was born January 10, 1929 to the late Preston and Mary Frazier Stokes in Selma, North Carolina. He was the last of six siblings and was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.

He attended Norfolk County Public Schools. He married Bernice “Bern” who preceded him in death on May 2, 2001.

James worked at The Virginian-Pilot newspaper for 35 years and received many Safety Awards for his conscientious service. He worked part time at Bayside Grill in Virginia Beach until recently when his health started to fail.

Known as “Uncle Buddy” James, a person who was loving, kind, and knew no strangers, loved life. He loved travelling, being with his family, especially his long time companion, Diana Asante.

James is survived by his companion, Diana Asante of Norfolk; daughter, Millicent Collins (Marcus); one grandchild, Terry Johnson (LaShaun); great-grandson, Kahry Johnson; and sister-in-law, Delores Woods (James) all of Virginia Beach; special nephews, Percy Arrington (Claudia) of Raleigh, NC, and Preston Stokes (Cheryl) of Wake Forest, NC; a niece, Audrey Stokes of Winston-Salem, NC; as well as a host of other loving relatives and friends.

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