Alva "Lee" Stokes

Alva Lee Stokes (Lee), 87, of Jonesborough, Tennessee, passed away on April 20, 2026.

Lee was born on May 7, 1938, in Jackson, Alabama, to Thomas and Minnie Stokes, the youngest of seven children. In 1961, he began a career with Brown & Root, first as a heavy equipment operator and millwright. That same year, Lee married Jimmy Faye Reeves on February 6th in Wayne County, Mississippi. Together they raised their four children, June, Joe, Tom, and Lisa, and were married 50 years before her passing in 2011. Lee was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on April 24, 1971, serving as a congregation elder for decades. He made McIntosh, Alabama, his home for nearly 40 years, and it was during this time that Lee attended a university in Alabama, receiving certification as a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers in 1977. He then qualified to become a safety supervisor and instructor for his company and, in total, worked with them for over 35 years. In 2006, Lee moved to Jonesborough, Tennessee, to be near family, where he has remained for the past 20 years. On November 7, 2017, he married Joyce Harmon from Summerdale, Alabama, and they spent 8 years together, Joyce faithfully caring for him until the end.

Lee will be remembered as one who was very generous with his time and energy to help those in need. Whether going hundreds of miles to deliver relief supplies in disaster areas or grabbing a cup of coffee with a grieving friend, he loved showing his care and concern for others. Lee also made time to travel for pleasure, even taking his grandchildren on memorable road trips over the years. During moments to himself, he enjoyed tinkering in his workshop: building, repairing, reupholstering—you name it, he could do it. Lee was very hospitable. Whenever there was a family or congregation get-together, he opened his home without question, not just to provide a meal but to give others a place to feel welcome and comfortable. Many have fond memories of being invited to a game of corn toss or dominoes, or, in later years, simply sitting on the porch admiring the beautiful Tennessee hills. And though at times serious by nature, his warmth would shine through in that mischievous grin and well-known deep chuckle, along with a funny old Southern saying for just about any situation.

Lee is survived by his wife Joyce Stokes; his children June Gay, Joe (Gail) Stokes, Tom (Darlene) Stokes, and Lisa (Jimmy) Danner; his sister Mildred Daniels; his grandchildren Aubrey (Adrian) Weaver, Georen (Brigitte) Gay, Chauna Stokes, Devan (Ashley) Stokes, and Tiffany (Franklin) Keldenich; his great grandchildren Aleah and Jonah Gay, Barrett and May Stokes, and MJ Keldenich; his caretaker Scarlet; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends that became family. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Faye Stokes; his parents, Thomas and Minnie Stokes; his siblings Hester Blackmon, Florence Pledger, Billie Stokes, Herbert Stokes, and Woodard Stokes; and his son-in-law, Greg Gay.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 PM on May 3, 2026, at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 105 Parsons Circle, Jonesborough, TN. To attend via Zoom, use Meeting Code: 854 6195 0482; Password: 2468.

Lee will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. We eagerly await seeing him again in the resurrection, a hope he held close to his heart.—John 5:28, 29; Revelation 21:4.

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