Velma Louise Stokes

Velma Louise Schroeder Stokes was born February 6, 1931, in Blackburn, OK, to Margaret and Jesse Schroeder.  Later moving to Pawnee, she graduated with the class of 1948.  Velma was smitten by a charming Arthur L. Stokes, the love of her life, and they were united in marriage on October 19, 1948.  Even though it was rumored they "had to get married", their first born daughter, Marilyn Sue ("Susie) was born four years later, followed in quick succession by Judith Ann Diel, Thomas Leroy Stokes, Brenda Joyce Weigt and John Arthur ("Budddy") Stokes.   Velma worked for many years at Pawnee City Hall and Pawnee Bill's Indian Trading Post, and tirelessly as a fabulous mother of five energetic hudlums, I mean children, instilling in them the values and ethics she learned from her Mother, Margaret Hutchinson Nefzger.  She had numerous friends in Pawnee, including Charlotte Dunn, Wilma Jean Adams, Violet Alley, Fern Waters, Billie Bowen, Verna Heisler, and Glenda Jennings, to name a few.  They spent a lot of time at the donut shop solving the problems of the day and laughing over the ones they couldn't solve.  They had lots of fun road trips to various places, many unknown until they hopped on the bus to their destinations.  First Christian Church was her spiritual home all her life and she gave of her time, service and limited money.  She was financial secretary and an Elder, actively involved in Guild, CWF and Sunday School and was always ready to lend a hand for any event.   Velma's declining health required she move three years ago to The Commons in Enid, Oklahoma.   She got much joy playing dominoes with daughter Judi and son Tom (and most of the time beating them).  Despite her normal honesty, it is known Velma could sometimes be asked to play dominoes with othe residents and as they were "teaching" her how the game is played, they soon realized they had just been hustled by a little lady who already knew the game quite well.  When asked by Judi, "Mom, did you tell her you already knew how to play dominos, Velma would shrug her shoulders and smugly smile and say, "Well they didn't ask."  She enjoyed Judi's almost daily visits and took wreath making, cooking and other classes offered.  She treasured her slumber parties with Brenda on the weekends, usually watching a game, playing dirty marbles, and enjoying her circus peanuts and other sweets.  She loved her visits from Tommy and wife Trish and when Susie came in from Dallas.  She was an avid Oklahoma City Thunder fan and rarely missed a game.  She enjoyed watching Joel Olsteen often.  And of course a highlight was the visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren who called her GiGi.  Either going to or hearing about the softball games gave her great pride in their accomplishments and she loved cheering for them.  She adored each and every one of them.   Velma loved her family and left them with many memories to cherish. All that knew her were touched by her loving and gentle demeanor with her sweet smile and sparking eyes.  Velma suffered the loss of her father at nine months, her son Buddy when he was only 12.  She endured the paralysis of her husband in an oil field accident, and eventually his death in a train accident.  However, Velma persevered and showed courage, peace, love and acceptance of these tragedies, teaching her family to sustain their faith in God, no matter the obstacles in life. Velma became very close with many of the staff at The Commons, particularly Bryce, Rendy, Kiley, Glen, Kaycee and Chaplain Gail.  They treated her with such dignity, love and respect and frequented her room giving her one last kiss.  Velma was peacefully welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on June 21, 2016, moments after a prayer by the Chaplain "The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.  Amen." Preceding Velma in death was her son Buddy, in 1972, her husband Art in 2001, and grandson Jordan Erick Hall in 2007. Velma leaves behind her four surviving children Susie of Allen, TX; Judi and husband Mark Diel of Covington, OK; Tommy and wife Trish Stokes of Stillwater, OK; and Brenda and husband Mark Weigt of Tulsa, OK.  Also she leaves grandchildren Markus, Amanda, Mitchell and McKenzie Weigt;  Tiffany Smith and husband Brian, Tara Donnell, Tessa Stokes Bealieu and husband Geoff; Quinton Diel and wife Myndi, and Brandon Brown.  She is survived by nine great grandchildren.  She is also survived by sisters Lois Thompson from San Diego, CA and Georgia Brown from Tulsa, and brother Thomas Hutchinson from Hallet, OK.  Velma leaves special sister-in-law Myrt Schlaht from Montana, and a host of great nieces and nephews.