Thomas “Leon” Stokes, born on December 18, 1957, departed this earthly life into eternal rest on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.

He was the youngest of five children born to the late Samuel Lee Stokes and Bridie Rodgers Stokes of Norfolk County, which is now known as the City of Norfolk. He was educated in the Norfolk Public School System and worked off and on as a laborer, until his health no longer permitted it.

Leon was born in the Berkley section of Norfolk where his family and friends called him “Leon” but when the family relocated to Park Place, his friends just called him “Stokes” and in his final years, his friends called him “Thomas”.

Leon was one who marched to the beat of his own drum and that he did until the Lord changed his life. Leon loved people and his love for people guided him to the Norfolk Community Service Board, One Life Church, Freemason Street Baptist Church, the Norfolk Street Choir and Pelham Place Apartments. As a new creature in Christ, his life was renewed.  He loved going to church, he loved cookouts, and he had a ball at family reunions. He enjoyed art and his artistic skills evolved from sketching to abstract drawing/painting. He loved to sing, and two of his favorite songs were “Lean on me” and Let it be”. The Norfolk Street Choir was his saving grace and he loved singing with them. He really embraced his newfound community and they embraced him back.

Leon was proceeded in death by his father, Samuel Lee Stokes; his mother, Bridie R. Stokes; his sister Arleen Stokes-Taylor; and his brother Samuel Cox. Left to cherish his memory are his three siblings, Linwood Stokes (Brenda), Sandra Spriggs, and Armecia Louise Stokes, two aunts and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Leon will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.