Delores Stokes, born June 21, 1933, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 10, 2022 at the age of 89, in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert P. and Mildred Benson; brother, Robert V. Benson; and husband, Delbert Stokes.
As a long-time resident of Guthrie, Delores was dedicated to serving her church and community. Delores was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church, which later merged with the First Presbyterian Church of Guthrie. As a member of the First United Presbyterian Church, she served as Clerk during her numerous times on the Board of Elders. She most recently attended NorthChurch OKC.
Delores was known for organizing volunteers for various festivals and events in Guthrie. Her time as Volunteer Chairman with the Guthrie Jazz Banjo Festival led her to become the Volunteer Coordinator for Oklahoma’s International Bluegrass Festival with Byron Berline, managing hundreds of volunteers for each festival for 25 years.
She was a member of the Horticulture Garden Club and the Home Demonstration Club. One of her greatest legacies was the Victorian Christmas celebration. As one of the original organizers of the annual event, she was responsible for the lighted Christmas parade that is still held every year. A recipient of the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award, Delores was also honored by then-mayor Jon Gumerson proclaiming a “Delores Stokes Day” to celebrate her dedication to her community.
Delores is survived by her son, Dennis; brotherin- law, Robert Stokes and wife, Gayla; nieces, nephews, and a community of friends.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, 4:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, Guthrie.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 3:00 P.M. at the First United Presbyterian Church in Guthrie. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www. smithgallo.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104 for research of Alzheimer’s and Dementia or at https://omrf.org.