Barbara A. Stokes

Adrienne Barbara Stokes was born in Joliet, Illinois on January 7, 1937 to the union of Lily and Laverne Smith. She was one of seven children. She departed this life on February 22, 2024 at home with her family and friends by her side.

Barbara was united in holy matrimony to Charles Martin Sr. (deceased). To this union was born four children; Charles Martin Jr., Stephen Martin, Deston Martin and Cynthia Martin. On July 1979 Barbara married Charles Stokes (deceased).

Barbara graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1955. She went on to continue her education at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. In which she pursued a degree in Art. Later she went to Ella Mae Banks School of Cosmetology and received a state license in cosmetology. She opened a beauty salon in her home, as well as, working for Klein department store as a cosmetologist and becoming the first black department manger for the company. She was employed at Western Electric and later promoted to the education department at AT&T where she became a college recruiter for the success of African-American college students. She received countless awards for her efforts to empower the African-American student. She retired at a young age of 57 with more than 30 years of service with AT&T. After retirement she helped to open the new store front of Milano’s Bakery where she became manager and fell in love with baking cakes.

Barbara had a love for art which she instructed and volunteered her talents. Her work  can be seen in many of her families home as well as her church home in the Motown kids department. Her love for baking cakes were demonstrated at every family and friends special event. She was a member of Women of Western lifetime member of Telcom Pioneers Sojourner Truth, Martin Youth Foundation and Eastern Star Daughter of Ruth; she also volunteer her services at Laraway Elementary School for several years.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Stokes; parents, Lily and Lavern Smith; three sisters; Zirta Smith, Elaine Hester and Joyce Woods-Sims; three brothers; George, Donald and Stanley Smith.

Barbara leaves to cherish her loving memories; one daughter, Cynthia Martin; three sons, Charles Martin Jr. (Maria), Stephen Martin (Theresa) and Deston Martin. Fifteen grandchildren; Stephen Jr., Stetson (Stephanie) and Sterling (Delilah) Martin, Wendell (Rifah) Alexander, Chanel, Amber, Bianca and Shyann Pinnick. Angelique Dickinson, Heavenly, Galaxia (Erin) Martin, Gemma and Desto’n Martin, Josalyn Treadwell and Sha’da Gardner. Sixteen great, great, grandchildren and one great, great, great, grandchild.

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