Mr. Paul Cleveland Stokes transitioned from his earthly home on Sunday morning, October 31, 2021 at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 420 Mizpah Church Road, Reidsville, NC with family visitation one half hour prior to the service.  Burial will be held in the Wesley Chapel Church Cemetery.  Public visitation will be held on Sunday, November 7, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at McLaurin Funeral Home.

On April 27, 1947, a seed was planted as Paul Cleveland Stokes in Caswell County to the late Mr. George Washington Stokes and Mrs. Margaret Evelyn Howard Stokes.  Paul's roots sank deep into the nurturing soils of family as a nurturing husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Paul C. Stokes was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.  He was a member of the United Methodist Men where he served as the secretary.  He also was a member of the Gospel Choir and Charge Choir, under the direction of Don Smith.  In addition, he sang with the Bethel AME Male Chorus in Greensboro NC, under the direction of Mrs. Gwendolyn Bell.

Paul received his diploma from Booker T. Washington High School in Reidsville NC.  Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1966-1969 where he received an Honorable discharge.  After his time in the military, Paul began his career at the U.S. Postal Service as a Distribution Operations Manager. His professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence reflected greatly upon him during his 35-year tenure.

Paul was a long-time member of Lone Star Lodge 33, an active Shriner, Veteran of Foreign Wars, and the Fellows Club.

Paul enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He loved collecting black art, attending car shows, building classic cars, singing (especially in the choir).  Shortly after graduation from high school, Paul has an opportunity to try out for the Atlanta Braves, but was not able to make it happen.  It was then that His ALL-TIME Favorite Team became the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Furthering enriching his life, Paul was united in Holy Matrimony to Josephine Settle Stokes on July 9, 1966.  The two shared a bond that lasted 55 years. He loved his wife dearly.  Their union was blessed with three beautiful daughters; Paula, Porcia and Philana whom they love dearly and who dearly love them and made Paul the epitome of a "girl dad"!

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brother, William Stokes.

Cherishing his memory and honoring his legacy are: his loving wife, Josephine Stokes of the home; daughters, Paula Martin (Rick Martin)of Tampa, FL, Porcia Best (Rev. Ervin Best) of Greensboro NC, and Philana Swann (Hassan Swann)of Lithonia, GA; siblings, Allene Allen (Joe Allen) of Reidsville NC, Mary Johnson of Greensboro NC and Margaret Koger (Eugene Koger) of Augusta, GA; eight grandchildren, Jeffrey Scott, Kaya Martin, Bianca Best, Brianna Best Parker, Erica Martin, Makayla Swann, Nadiyah Swann and Kennedy Swann; great-grandchildren, King Cooper and Summer Parker; extended family, Jeremy Graham (Tanja Graham and children); aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.

It is impossible to measure the full impact of Paul's life for he touched, shaped, and inspired the lives of many.  His spirit will live on.  Although we are deeply saddened by his death, we will celebrate him with great joy and gratitude.

Ashton and Yolanda McLaurin and the staff of the McLaurin Funeral Home are serving the family. Covid-19 precautions will be followed with social distancing, masks and sanitizing required.

At the designated date and time, you may connect to the Virtual services via teleconference call by dialing (701) 802-5263 and then access code 6545855# or FaceBook livestreaming via McLaurin Funeral Home's FB page.  To join via YouTube, click here