Mr. L. "Demonde" Stokes
Tribute of Life
The Son….
Lenwood “Demonde” Stokes, son of the late Lenwood David Stokes and the late Virginia Faye Hayes Cephus, was born on June 11, 1969 in Eden, North Carolina. Demonde’s spirit united with his Creator, parents and brother on Thursday, December 31, 2020.
My Brother’s Keeper….
At an early age, Demonde was christened at St. John Methodist Church in Eden, NC and attended Christian View Missionary Baptist Church. He began his formal education at Spencer Penn Elementary School. Demonde had only one year and three months to himself as the only child and grandchild on his father’s side, until he had to become a “Big Brother” and that he was to his younger brother, Durand. Demonde’s name was shortened to “Monde” by his brother and from that day until Durand’s death in 2004; friends and relatives always referred to them as “Monde and Rand”. They were always a duo. Monde was always easy-going, free-spirited, fun loving and willing to try anything at least once.
From a Boy to a Man….
Demonde attended and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1987. Where he became a fiercely loyal friend to his classmates. After high school, he enlisted into the United States Army, served 4 years active duty and was honorably discharged in 1991. He continued to serve his country by enlisting in the Army National Guard Reserve for several years. In 1992, Demonde was baptized by Bishop Kellam at Mount Olivet Apostolic Church.
The Hard Worker….
As a young man, Demonde worked at Shoney’s restaurant, Kroger grocery store and third shift at DuPont. Always restless and on the go, in 1995 he found a career that he really wanted to stick with and enrolled into truck driving school. Demonde has driven for such trucking companies as: Warren, Caldwell and Cardinal Trucking to every part of the U.S. Regions from West, Midwest, South and Northeast.
In 2006, Demonde moved to Petersburg, Virginia for new career opportunities and held a variety of jobs from warehouse positions to working at the hospital. He was not satisfied with himself until he was behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler tractor trailer and he started driving trucks again in 2013. He was employed as a truck driver with A&S Kinard at the time of death.
The Father, The Friend, The Husband….
Demonde’s children meant the world to him and he always wanted them to remain close. He loved his son, Bryson; but his girls were his world; Jordan, Alison and Olivia. As he and Darlene became one, he humbly built relationships with Devin, Daniel and Dae, as well. Demonde kept abreast of what was going on in Martinsville, VA through his G.W. Class of ’87 alumni. He enjoyed talking on the phone to his Mom, Dad, Darlene and Olivia while driving from state to state. He enjoyed playing cards. Listening to old school, funk, jazz and R&B music often time attending concerts and various jazz festivals. Part of his wardrobe was his signature “LDS” monogrammed shirts and hats when going out casually or dressing up for an event.
He has always had a niche for cooking whether it be for home or the annual fish fry with his Abram 10 Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed watching sports. Every since he was a young boy, the Washington Redskins now known as the Washington Football Team was his favorite. In recent years, he spent his time traveling, whether cruising by ship or driving by car with his wife, Darlene. Most of all he enjoyed and loved his family, laughing and living life to the fullest!
The Last “LDS”….
To carry forth his legacy, Demonde leaves: his wife, Darlene; children: Jordan, Bryson, Alison, Olivia, Devin, Daniel and Dae; grandson, Ali; aunt, Adell Edmonds (James); great aunts, Addie Stokes, Susie Williams and Josephine Williams; great uncles: Cecil Stokes and John Fulton; cousins/sisters: Shannon Stokes-Graham, Tammy Stokes-Hewitt, Debra and Donna Purcell; cousin, John Lenwood Rogers; mother-in-law, Judieth Jones; father-in-law, Levon Rasberry; sisters-in-laws, Coletta Rogers, Cherrese Cannon, and Julisa Jones; other relatives and friends.
A public viewing for Mr. Lenwood Demonde Stokes will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the J.L Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment 25824 Greensville Ave. Petersburg, Virginia (North Dinwiddie County) and on Friday, January 8, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment 447 Old South Main St. Danville Virginia.
A Celebration Of Life Service for Mr. Lenwood Demonde Stokes will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Blandford Cemetery 319 S. Crater Rd. Petersburg, Virginia with Military Honors. Bishop Shawn Lewis, Pastor of Rhema Word Ministries Petersburg, Virginia, Presiding and Minister Amory James, Associate Minister of New Direction Evangelistic Church North Chesterfield Virginia, Eulogist.
The family is asking that relatives and friends to assemble at the residence on the day of the service at 10:00 a.m.
Masks are required at all services and visitations. Attendees are asked to also adhere to social distancing and other CDC guidelines as requested.
Professional Services entrusted to the staff of J . L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment 25824 Greensville Ave. Petersburg Virginia (North Dinwiddie County) Rev. Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr. funeral director (804)732-5959 and (804)834-3330. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com