Joella Stokes

Joella Williams Stokes (fondly known as Jody, Jody-girl or Jo), was born on February 14, 1941 to Jerome Williams and Julia Mae Ball in Dixie, Arkansas. She was raised by her grandparents, Mandy and John Morris. At age 12 she moved to Chicago. Later she returned to Augusta, Arkansas and graduated from Carver High in 1958. After graduation, she returned to Chicago and attended Wilson Jr. College.

While working at the U.S. Post Office, Joella met the love of her life, Othello Stokes. They married and raised three children, Wonda, Lynne and Todd.

Joella always had an entrepreneurial spirit, as evident by her working for herself as a Nail Technician, a Shaklee Sales Rep, an Amway Sales Rep and a Tupperware Regional Manager.

That entrepreneurial spirit led her to learning about colon irrigation. This resulted in her becoming a Colon Therapist. In this role she was able to educate individuals on how to care for themselves holistically. This included teaching them the benefits of herbs, vitamins, fasting, detoxing, juicing and healthy eating.

Joella found refreshment in dancing, sewing and interior design. She especially enjoyed decorating her home.

Joella’s foremost desire was to have a close relationship with God. After extensive searching, she dedicated her life and symbolized it by water baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 15, 1978.

Joella became a full-time pioneer minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses in September of 1988, which allowed her to spend many hours helping people come to know Jehovah and dedicate their lives to him. She also had the privilege of attending full-time pioneer ministry school with her late husband Othello.

When Joella was informed that her illness was terminal, her first thought was: “How can I help more people learn about God’s Kingdom?” (Matthew 24:14) She then proceeded to ask everyone she encountered to study the Bible. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Joella continued as a regular pioneer minister until she finished her earthly course on February 1, 2023.

Joella was proceeded in death by her husband, Othello Stokes, of 54 years, and four brothers David, Leroy, Bobby and Michael. She   leaves to cherish her memory, her children; Wonda (Ronnie) Binns, Lynne Trask and Todd (Diandra) Stokes. Nine grandchildren: Kevin Binns, Jaime (John) McGowan, Rodney Revels, Nemia (James) Kuykendall, Maria Stokes, Maura Stokes, Di’Auriah Stokes, Di’Alianah Stokes, and Todd Stokes Jr. Twelve great-grandchildren: Ty Binns, Jada Willett, Jalen McGowan, Journey McGowan, Jonas McGowan, LaLani Revels, Javian Revels, Joella Revels, Rodney Revels III, Egypt Kuykendall, Eden Kuykendall, and Eva Kuykendall. A brother, Johnny (Joella) Sain, and a sister, Juanita Johnson. A sister-in-law Doris Sain and a brother-in-law Costello Stokes, and a host of nieces and nephews.

To the many friends that continue to show our family love, you demonstrate the truthfulness of Proverbs 17:17 which says, “a true friend shows love at all times and is a brother who is born for times of distress”. You are our FAMILY and we grieve alongside you.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL