Mrs. Thelma Elizabeth Stokes

Stokes, Thelma Elizabeth Surber, born February 9, 1924, departed this life on August 14, 2013. Thelma was the last of ten children born to the late Charlie and Lula Surber of Saxton, Kentucky/Jellico, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Preston Stokes, and her daughter, Elaine Stokes Boatman. She is survived by sons, Robert C. Stokes (Brenda) of Dacula, Georgia; Billy J. Stokes (Bay) and William A. Boatman of Knoxville, Tennessee, as well as grandchildren, Karen Boatman Ellis (Gary); Andrew Boatman (Meredith); Adam Stokes (Joy); Eric Stokes (Rachel); Angela Hood (Bill); and Amy Hickerson (Scott), along with eight great-grandchildren. She likewise leaves behind Ellen Murphy, a “daughter” who provided much aid and comfort to Thelma, along with Carolyn Naumann, a niece with whom she enjoyed spending happy times in Tennessee and Florida and Raymond Surber, Jellico, a nephew with whom she shared many good times, especially searching through the family history. Thelma also enjoyed a special relationship with her “other daughters” Sandy Kirkland and Sherry Kirby. She also treasured her special friendship with Ron and Willene Hutchens. Her beloved sisters-in-laws, Norsue Surber of Springfield, Ohio and Shirley Surber of Jellico, Tennessee are the only remnants of that generation of the Surber family. Thelma was proud of her many years of work as a waitress, or as she said, “hash slinger” for several Knoxville establishments. She ended her work life as a cook at the Juvenile Detention Center. Mrs. Stokes was a long-time member of the North Knoxville Baptist Church and was active in the Knox County Republican Party. A funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of Rose Mortuary officiated by Reverend Guy Milam. A private interment service will immediately follow in Highland Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Andrew Boatman, Adams Stokes, Eric Stokes, Gary Ellis, Bill Hood, Scott Hickerson, Darrell Murphy and Jeff Surber. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the “Pennies for Undies Ministries” c/o Richard L. Bean Juvenile Services Center, 3321 Division Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Sunday prior to the funeral service at the mortuary. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel.

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Mrs. Thelma Elizabeth Stokes

February 9, 1924 - August 14, 2013