In Loving Memory of Deonte Cary Stokes
April 18, 1987 – July 25, 2026
Affectionately Known as “Stokes” and “Punkin”
Deonte Cary Stokes was born on April 18, 1987, to Rochelle Williams and Cary “CJ” Stokes.
Deonte attended Horlick High School and achieved his dream of becoming an entrepreneur by earning his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and building a career in trucking. His journey reflected his determination, ambition, and strong work ethic. Above all, Deonte was a devoted father whose greatest joy was spending time with his beloved son, Zaire.
Deonte lived life with purpose, style, and love. He enjoyed traveling, dressing sharp, watching sports, and creating memories with his son, family, and friends. He found comfort and happiness in the simple moments, especially gathering around Big Mama’s home cooking. Known for his warm smile, infectious laugh, generous heart, and unforgettable personality, Deonte had a way of making everyone around him feel special. His presence touched countless lives, and his memory will forever be cherished.
He leaves to honor and cherish his memory his beloved son, Zaire G. Stokes; the devoted mother of his son, Brittnay Robinson; his father, Cary “CJ” Stokes; his grandmothers, Bertha “Big Mama” Williams and Minnie “Moms” Stokes; his sisters, Raven Stokes, Raine Williams, and Storm Williams; his only brother Levon White; favorite aunt, Felicia “FeFe” Williams; his great-aunt, Lois Williams; his uncles, James Stokes and Antonio Stokes; his loving girlfriend, Mya Muhammad; his special friends, Donald “Lil Don” Neal and Dashon Neal; his cherished favorite cousins; Darius “Peanut” Williams, Antonio Williams, Stephanie Williams, Tyrone Williams, Nichole Williams, Maceo Collins, Demontae Collins, and David Conley Jr, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and his beloved Northside family.
Deonte was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Rochelle Williams; his special uncle, Anthony “Big House” Williams; his paternal
grandfather, Cary Stokes Sr; his great-grandmother, Bell “Mama Bell” Williams and his cousin David Conley Sr.
~A Poem from Your Big Mama~
To My Grandson,
Having you as my grandson has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. For all that you have been, for all that you are, and for all that you were yet to become, I will forever be grateful. I love you, Punkin. Rest peacefully until we meet again.
Love Always,
Big Mama
~Special Words from Your Auntie Felicia~
To My Nephew,
Punkin not a day will go by that I won’t think of you. I love you, and I will miss you always. You will forever hold a special place in my heart. Know that my love for you will never fade. You will always be my Punkin pie. I will love you forever and a day.
Love always,
Your auntie, Fe
~A Scripture from Your Grandmother Stokes~
A Message of Love and Faith,
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV)With All My Love,
Your Grandmother Stokes
~Acknowledgements~
The Williams and Stokes families extend their heartfelt gratitude for every phone call, text message, visit, prayer, expression of sympathy, and act of kindness shown during this difficult time. Your unwavering love and support have brought comfort to our hearts, and we sincerely thank each and every one of you.