Jessie Bernice Stokes Charlton

Mrs. Jessie Bernice Stokes Charlton, 94, of Keysville, VA passed away peacefully at her residence on May 25, 2022 following a lengthy illness and surrounded by her family and caregivers. Bernice was the first of six children born to Goodrich Henry Stokes, Sr., and Elizabeth Holloway Stokes. She was predeceased by her husband, Keith Lloyd Charlton, Sr., her parents and two sisters (Dr. Mary Stokes Frayser and Ernestine Stokes). Bernice was born in Lunenburg County on July 25, 1927. After graduating from Lunenburg Training School (later Lunenburg High School) in 1943, she was employed briefly at Camp Pickett (now Fort Pickett) before moving to Brooklyn, NY. It was there that she became employed in various clerical and administrative positions at several retail, service and public utilities companies. Brooklyn was also where she met and married Keith and together they reared his then adolescent daughter, Julie. That union began a wonderful marriage lasting 47 years and lifelong mother-daughter relationships with Julie and her older sister, Laura. Over the years, Bernice’s home was always a way-station for her siblings whether they were visiting or coming for summer employment during their college years. In addition to being an excellent cook and gracious host for family dinners at Thanksgiving, she is also fondly remembered for generously providing care packages for holidays and special occasions. In 1980, Bernice and Keith retired and moved to their newly constructed home on the Stokes family farm in Keysville. She later became an active member of Mt. Ellis Baptist Church and also attended New Rehoboth and Calvary Baptist Churches. During their early years on the farm, Bernice and Keith were blessed to provide companionship and any needed assistance to Bernice’s then elderly parents. She resided in her home for 42 years. In addition to Julie Charlton Crawford (George) and Laura Charlton Boyer (Don), she is survived by their brother, Keith Lloyd Charlton, Jr., (Debra), all of Universal City, TX; two sisters (Atlas Stokes Robinson and Shirley Stokes Byrd, both of Keysville); one brother, Goodrich H. Stokes, Jr., (Joyce) of Silver Spring, MD; two nieces (Chrystal Stokes Williams {Anthony}, Brooklyn, NY and Dr. Carla Stokes, Atlanta, GA); one nephew, Maurice Robinson of San Francisco, CA; two grandnephews (John Goodrich Williams and Jackson Louis Williams); seven step-grandchildren; 19 step-great grandchildren; 12 step-great great grandchildren; a devoted neighbor, friend and fixer of all things broken—including sagging spirits—John Bruce; and a host of other relatives and friends. Special appreciation is extended to caregivers Tammy Daniels, Rocksand Stewart, Katia Taylor, Venecia Watson and the staff of Amedisys Hospice for their care and support during Bernice’s illness. A memorial service for Mrs. Jessie Bernice Stokes Charlton will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Giles-Harris Funeral Home, Chase City, VA. Face masks will be required. Arrangements are by Giles-Harris Funeral Home, Chase City, VA.