Neil David Stokes, Sr.

Sunrise: January 3, 1934 Sunset: August 14, 2020

Reflections
Neil David Stokes Sr, husband of the late Jacqueline Coombs Stokes, and son of the late Archie Johnson and Mary Eunice Moore; was born January 3, 1934 in Johnston, North Carolina. He was reared in Angier, North Carolina, and was educated in the Harnett County school system. He was raised by a Christian mother who taught him about Jesus at an early age. He was brought up in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AME Zion) and continued to trust the Lord all of his days.

On August 14, 2020 before dawn, at the AdventHealth hospital in Altamonte Springs, Florida, Neil departed from his earthly labor to the reward of peace and eternal rest. God blessed him with 86 years of a life well lived, and at the appointed time, called him home to presence. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

As a young man, Neil moved to Manhattan, New York to seek employment. He had the passion and skill for working on Volkswagens, and was employed as a Master Mechanic at the Baldwin Volkswagen shop in the Bronx, New York until his retirement.

Neil was a quiet, gentle soul who was always a joy to be around. He was a kind father, a loving grandfather, cousin, and friend who always greeted everyone with a smile. He enjoyed fishing, watching his favorite westerns on TV, and winning at his scratch off tickets. He accepted life with all of its challenges and never complained even when his health declined. He will be greatly missed.

Neil leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted daughter and caretaker Yvonne Winston (Evzell), who he resided with until his death. He also leaves behind his daughter Josette Jefferson of Harlem, NY. He will also be missed by his stepdaughters, Gwendolyn Wright (Mike), and Pastor Jackie Brown (Darrell) of Durham, NC, Deborah, Yvette, Rose, Lynn, and Christine of Lakeland, Florida. He also leaves twenty-six grandchildren, and numerous great-grand children. Neil was an only child, and leaves behind his special cousin, Frances, of Durham, NC, also an only child who was raised as a sister with him and a host of cousins and friends.

Neil was preceded in death by his sons Eddie Stokes of Lillington, NC, Neil (Brucey) David Stokes Jr. of Sanford, Florida; and step son Joe McDougald of Sanford, Florida.

Neil always ended every conversation by saying "So Long" because he never believed in good bye. So we now say "So Long" to him instead of goodbye because like him we have the hope that we will see him again one day.

So Long is never goodbye
Even now that you are no longer with us
So long is never goodbye
Thou now we cry because you are gone away
We must accept that we won't see you from day to day
We understand so long is never goodbye
If we put everything in God's hand
Knowing that your departure is in his perfect plan
We will never forget all that we shared, our love, laughter and smiles
We are comforted knowing that so long is never goodbye
Because if we trust in God we will see each other again after a while.
Neil we will forever love you and the time has come now to bid you…. "So Long"

Acknowledgement
The family acknowledges and appreciates the services shown by their many friends during the illness and death of their beloved one.
They are truly grateful for your support, words of encouragement and acts of kindness. May God continue to bless and keep you in his care.
The Family