Ernestine Perry Stokes, loving, caring person
Ernestine Perry Stokes, 74, of Millsboro, was born June 25, 1942, in Halifax, N.C., to the late Ernest and Katie Perry of Chesapeake, Va. Ernestine Perry Stokes went home to be with the Lord Friday, March 17, 2017, at Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center.
Ernestine was the eldest of 15 children and was like a mother to her younger siblings. She received her education in Halifax public school system. She married the late Herman Lawton in the 1960s and relocated to Lewes.
Ernestine was known for preparing delicious southern meals, and enjoyed entertaining family and friends in her home. In addition, she enjoyed fishing and telling many family cultural stories to all who would listen. Ernestine was always surrounded by children, and was a loving, caring and giving person. On many occasions, she would put others before herself.
Ernestine leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband Henry Stokes; her children Michael Lawton and his wife (Inger) of Camden, Jeffery Tyrone Lawton and his wife (Allison) of Gambrills, Md., stepdaughter Aquilla Moore (husband James) of Fort Hood Texas, six grandchildren, D'Angelo Eley of Millsboro, Ashley Lawton Harris (husband Michael) of Whitsette, N.C., Ciara Lawton Hill (husband Anthony) of Bowie, Md., Chasny K. Lawton of Hanover, Md., Sophia P. Lawton of Gambrills, Md., and Blake A. Lawton of Gambrills; three great-grandchildren, Brianna Eley, Sebastian Harris and Nicholas Harris; and six stepgrandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers; Lawrence Perry (wife Linda) of Chesapeake, Va., and Edward Perry of Portsmouth, Va.; six sisters; Mary Alice Finney (husband Lawrence) of Lewes, Verlia M. Cherry (late husband Carlton) of Chesapeake, Sharon Perry of Madison, Ga., Andrea M. Kennedy (husband Vincent) of Portsmouth, Va., Brenda Mellerson (husband Daniel) of Chesapeake, Barbara Bryant (husband Roy) of Chesapeake.
She was preceded in death by one sister, Diane Kennedy; five brothers; Albert, Robert, James, Jessie and Herbert Perry.
Ernestine had a special appreciation for her Aunts Dorothy Noise of Petersburg, Va., Lula M. Purvis of Bennettsville, S.C., Dorothy Mae Ross of Richmond, Va.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ernestine admired her sisters-in-law Lois Dorsey of Millsboro and Linda Perry of Chesapeake; and two special brothers-in-law, Spencer Kennedy and Harold Stokes of Lewes.
Ernestine was the temporary guardian and cherished her niece Selina Moss of Raleigh, N.C. She adored her niece Shawntel Kennedy of Fayetteville, N.C.; and her niece Anna Harmon of Bear.
She was blessed to have two special friends for over 50 years, the Rev. Annie J. Custis of Lewes and Elnora Smith of Portsmouth, Va. Rev. Custis and Elnora Smith were Ernestine's best friends who she valued in life; they had fun, laughed, cried and prayed together on many occasions.
Celebration of life will be held at St John's 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt Joy Road, Millsboro, Saturday March 25, at 1 p.m. Family and friends may call or visit two hours prior to service.
Letter of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at benniesmithfuneralhome.com. Professional service entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Millsboro.
