Arthur Ferrell Stokes

Arthur Ferrell Stokes died of natural causes at the age of 91 on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in Columbus, Georgia.

Arthur was born on February 14, 1933 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Arthur Anton Stokes and Stella Mildred Ferrell Stokes. He attended the Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where he met his wife of 65 years, Marian Kay (Harris) Stokes (predeceased). He was a conducting major and choral minor at Westminster. As a student, he performed in numerous venues including Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Upon graduation, Arthur and Marian began their careers in church music, often working together as choir director and organist, respectively. They served congregations in states spanning the country, including Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and finally at the Kirk of Kildaire in Cary, North Carolina. They celebrated a joint retirement in 1997. He also led music programs, choirs, and handbell ensembles at other churches throughout his long, storied career.

Arthur also had other career stints as a radio DJ and an associate for Holiday Inn, helping customers book accommodations around the globe. An avid reader, Arthur had a particular affinity for legal and spy thrillers and delighted in these novels.

A huge sports fan, Arthur followed college and professional baseball and football and loved to cheer on both his favorite teams and those of his grandchildren’s various schools and colleges. After moving to Georgia with Marian in 2012, he enjoyed occasional trips to Atlanta to attend games of the Atlanta Braves.

He is survived by his three children Laura Jennings (Biff), Mary Catherine Tommey (Paul), and Daniel Stokes, three grandchildren, Aaron, Heather (Eddie), and Cameron, and two great grandchildren, Caroline and Beau.