Evangelist Cleopatra (Cleo) R. Stokes

Remember me when I am gone away, gone far away into the silent land; When you can no more hold me by the hand, Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay. Remember me when no more day by day you tell me of our future that you planned: Only remember me; you understand it will be late to counsel then or pray. Yet if you should forget me for a while and afterwards remember, do not grieve: For if the darkness and corruption leave a vestige of the thoughts that once I had, better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad.

Evangelist Cleopatra "Cleo" R. Stokes, 90, of Seabrook, SC, wife of the late Mr. Henry Stokes, Sr. passed away peacefully in Lithonia, GA surrounded by her loving family. Visitation & Musical will be held from 5-7 pm Thursday, April 30, 2026 at United Church of Jesus Christ for All People in Beaufort, SC. Funeral Services will be held 11am Friday, May 1, 2026 at Bethesda Christian Fellowship on St. Helena Island, SC. Burial will follow in Beaufort Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Beaufort, SC. Allen Funeral Home of Beaufort in charge. 

Evangelist Cleopatra Robinson Stokes began her life journey on May 2, 1935 in the Sheldon Township of Beaufort, South Carolina, born to Joann R. Alston and Elder Jeremiah Grant Sr.

Cleopatra, lovingly referred to as “Cleo” attended Beaufort County School Systems and attended the Technical College of the Low Country and Clemson University where she obtained her degree. She was employed as the first black sales associate for the Smart and Thrifty store on Bay Street in downtown Beaufort. She later became a caseworker with the Department of Social Services for 26 years and as a Bereavement Counselor with Hospice Friends of Carolina.

A special occasion of joy and unity came on August 29,1954, when she and Henry Stokes were united in Holy Matrimony. From this union, 6 children were born. Her love, care, and devotion to her family never ceased. She was contented to let them shine by being the “wind beneath their wings.”

Early in her life, Cleo sought divine guidance and accepted Christ into her heart as her Lord and Savior. Through her love for Christ and the church, is where she discovered her gift of song and love for singing about the goodness of God. Cleo became a renowned vocalist by singing at local churches until she was discovered by Rev. Frederick “Rev. Ike” Eikerenkoetter II and became one of his original singers in 1964, traveling all over the world, becoming the first black female from Beaufort to perform at the Apollo Theater.

Cleo is a founding member of United Church of Jesus Christ for all People. She is also a member of several singing groups and choirs such as, the Fellowship Concert Choir, Unity Choir, Bountiful Word Choir, Beaufort Mass Choir, the Gospel Friends, and The Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater. Cleo is also a member of The Original Gullah Festival, where she has served on the production and entertainment committee since its induction over 40 years ago.

Cleo’s earthly departure saddens the hearts of many. Her loving and outspoken manner will be missed by her family and friends, but the essence of times shared and the bonds that grew will never end.

In addition to her parents, Cleo is preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Henry Stokes, and her daughter Muriel Stokes.

Cleo will fondly be remembered by her five children, Henry (Cynthia) Stokes Jr., Brenda Little, Linda Stokes, Treva (Angelica) Stokes, all of Atlanta Ga, and Alvin (Lori Ann) Stokes of Seabrook SC. A very special nephew whom she reared Ernest (Tsegereda) Stafford, Three Grandchildren whom she reared, Cherita (Terrance) Stokes-Watson, Alicia Stokes, and Kalen Stokes. Nine Grandchildren, five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings; Betty Grant, Helen Robinson, and Sadie Kelly., Brothers and sisters in law, Bernard (Angie) Polite, Ernestine Washington, Spencer (Carolyn) Washington, Sandy (Ann) Washington, Archie (Ola Mae) Washington, Viola (Leroy) Jenkins, and MaeRene (Franklin) Delaney. Her very best friend Mary Ward., special friends Sue Sagui, and Evelyn Cookley. A God Daughter, Naomi F. Grant, her spiritual children, Ann Washington, Stacey Alston, Charles Reed, Shaneka Busby, Angel Gary and adopted Grandchild Serenity (Marion) Smalls, along with a host of other devoted family and friends.

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