Jimmy B. Stokes

Jimmy Boykin Stokes Obituary August 13, 1941 - August 12, 2022

Jimmy Boykin Stokes was born in the community of Homewood, MS in Scott County on August 13, 1941. His father, Earnest William Stokes, was owner of Stokes Grocery in Homewood and his mother, Bernice Boykin Stokes, was employed in the cafeteria at Forest schools.

He graduated high school in Forest in 1959, where he played football and later graduated from East Central Community College in 1961. He worked at Brooks-Noble Auto Parts during the late 60’s in Forest, until he graduated from MS State University in 1971 with a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture. Prior to his graduation he was offered a job with the USDA Farmers Home Administration. After 34 years with FHA he retired in 2004. His career transferred him from Forest to Macon, Monticello, Cleveland, New Augusta, and then in 1977 to Hattiesburg. He and his wife, Barbara, made their final home in Petal from 1977 until present.

He served in the US National Guard for six years in Forest in the 60’s and as a Mason & Shriner in Monticello in the 70’s. He never met a stranger and was a die hard MS State fan, renowned crappie fisherman, coon hunter, deer hunter, fanatic lawn mower rider, tree cutter & a creative story teller. Additional characteristics that describe Jimmy include: faithful, giving, God-honoring, joyful, outgoing, loving, loyal, hard-worker, fruitful, available, present, wise, smart, servant, and gentle. He was a longtime member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Petal where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.

He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of of 51 years, Barbara Watts Price Stokes formerly of Lobutcha, MS and sister, Mary Carol Watkins of Louisville, MS. His children, Deniese (Andy) Wright of Brandon, David Hankins of Forest, Randy (Annette) Price of Hattiesburg, Brenda (Jimmy) Spiers of Brandon and daughter-in-law law, Leigh Stokes, of Madison.

He had 16 Grandchildren, Austin (Brittany) Price, Lindsay (Kyle) Caminita, Carlee (Hunter) Nicholson, Seth (Brittany) Spiers, Blake (Whitney) Spiers, Laura Spiers, Bailey, Bradley & Presley Stokes, Leslie (Jarrad) Davenport, Callie Thornhill, Mallory, Amanda & Troy Stokes, Dylan & Dawson Hankins and 14 great grandchildren. Also, countless nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by 2 of his sons, Mike & Jim Stokes; parents, Earnest and Bernice; his brothers William, Billy, Marzell, Curtis, and Luther Ray; his sisters Hazel Wolf and Irene Bradford.

Services will be held at Macedonia Baptist Church in Petal, MS on Tuesday, August 16. Visitation begins at 9:30 followed by the service at 11:00. Graveside service will take place at Homewood Cemetery at 3:30.

A donation can be made to Macedonia Community Park Macedonia Baptist Church 609 Macedonia Road, Petal, MS 39465