William O. Stokes

WILLIAM(BILL)OLIVER STOKES, beloved son of Fannie May Coleman, Frank Stokes and Arlene Stokes(stepmother), was called home to be with Jesus after a short illness.

Bill, as all knew him affectionately, was born in Baltimore MD. Bill attended Baltimore City Public Schools. He left school to join the U.S. Army at the tender age of 17 and served in the Korean War as a Combat Medic. While in the Army, Bill received many medals of Honor including the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged and joined the American Legion(Post 285). Bill then went to work at the University of Maryland Hospital as a Physical Therapy Assistant until he decided to go into business for himself. His first store was Kenhill Carryout, successfully followed by the Penn Carryout and Rib and Que. The baby of them all was the Jet Set Record Shop at 1518 N. Luzerne Avenue, where many people who admired him would stop by just to say, 'Hey Bill'. People like the Whispers, Four Tops, Temptations, James Brown, just to name a few, and don't forget the people who were there all the time. Bill briefly extended the Jet Set Records and named it Jet Set 2 located at the Old Town Mall. Bill later retired from his business in 1999 and went to work in Transportation Services.

Bill was baptized at an early age and remained spiritual in his endeavors. He later joined Zion Baptist Church where he faithfully served on the usher board for over eight years.He was a devoted and faithful servant for his church.

Bill was well known throughout Baltimore City, and very loved and respected by all who knew him. He loved to travel, eat and loved people, especially his children. His acts of kindness went throughout the community so much that he was honored by the City of Baltimore on with a street name after him called 'Bill Stokes Way' on the very street where Jet Set Records was located. he sponsored many activities, such as block parties and little league teams. He was adamant about the support of his community and backed politicians like Carl Stokes and former Mayor Kurt Schmoke.

Bill has gone home now to be with his Savior Jesus Christ; beloved children, Gilda and William Jr.; stepson, Rodriquez; four brothers, Frank, Ronald, Michael and Alvin; a sister, Irene; two aunts and Willie Ruth Crain. Bill leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Wanda Stokes Williams and Brenda Overton; his grandchildren, Kevin, Tier, Michael, Sabrina, Robin and Gregory; great grandchildren, Dejon, Quran, Rashad, Lyrick, Logan, Qamar, Brendan and Blake; devoted nephews, Carl and Stevie Stokes; a god-daughter, Cynthia Graves Wilder; good friends Randy Chilsom and Angela Lemon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, former co-workers and his Zion Baptist Church Family that will cherish his memory.

Bill your presence will be greatly missed but we take comfort in knowing that you are in the presence of God and finally at Peace.