John Joseph Stokes

John Joseph Stokes, 88, of Jonesboro died December 15, 2023 with his wife, Elizabeth Nelson Stokes, at his side. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Edgar Granville Stokes and Virginia Poston Stokes. He was a Christian and attended Baptist churches in Memphis as well as Alabama and Arkansas. He had an excellent bass voice, sang in several church choirs, and often worked with sound systems in various churches, including First Baptist Church in Jonesboro.

He attended Memphis schools and held a Bachelor’s Degree from Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina. He also pursued Graduate studies at the University of Memphis, East Tennessee State University, and Arkansas State University. He taught math, primarily algebra and geometry, in junior and senior high schools in Tennessee and Arkansas. After retiring from teaching, he worked at his favorite job as a part-time producer at KASU, the public radio station at Arkansas State University. His hobbies included working on antique cars, reading and working with electronics.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dr.  Elizabeth Stokes of Jonesboro, Arkansas.

He is also survived by his son, Frank G. Stokes and daughter-in-law, Kelly Running Stokes and four grandchildren. His grandchildren include, Mason (Paige) Stokes of Oklahoma, and Chloe, Lucas and Wyatt of Minnesota. He is also survived by nieces and cousins in Tennessee and Arkansas.

A family burial is planned in coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to KASU at Arkansas State University, the Craighead County Public Library, the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas or a charity of the donor’s choice.