MELVIN STOKES

Melvin James Stokes, 71, of Texarkana, Ark., died Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, in a local hospital. Mr. Stokes was born Oct. 16, 1946, in Texarkana, Texas. He was a member of New Town Baptist Church. Survivors include two brothers, Charles Stokes of Hooks, Texas, and Thomas Stokes of Texarkana; and one niece, Sounia Reeves of Texarkana. Services will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Greater Shiloh COGIC, Nash, Texas, with Dorothy Adams and the Rev. L.B. George Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Chapelwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery under direction of Haynes Mortuary. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Online registration is at haynesmortuary.com.