Senate Resolution No. 520

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Marcus D. Stokes,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Marcus Damone Stokes of Buffalo, New York, died on Monday,
March 8, 2021, at the age of 58; and

WHEREAS, Marcus D. Stokes was born in Buffalo, New York, on August
3, 1962, to Norma L. Jefferson and Anthony Mitchell; and

WHEREAS, As a congregant of White Rock Missionary Baptist Church, he
was a faithful member of its Choir; as his spiritual development
continued, he later united with the Elim Christian Fellowship; and

WHEREAS, Educated in the Buffalo Public School System, Marcus D.
Stokes attended Public School No. 31, and graduated from Grover
Cleveland High School in 1980, earning a diploma in Business and
Science; he continued his educational pursuits as a student at the
University of Buffalo's Educational Opportunity Center from which he
earned a Certificate as a Sterilization Process Technician; he went on
to earn a Certificate as a Dialysis Technician from Niagara Community
College; and

WHEREAS, Marcus D. Stokes distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, His employment experience began in 1986 as a Sales
Specialist with National Warehouse, a Customer Service Representative
with Marine Midland Bank, and later HSBC Bank; he then served as a Loss
Prevention Officer and Overnight Lead Guest Representative with the
Buffalo Hyatt Regency Hotel; and

WHEREAS, For his dedicated service and commitment to excellence,
Marcus D. was honored as the 1999 Employee of the Year by the Hyatt
Regency Hotel; known by all for being a hard worker, he also served as
the Food and Beverage Supervisor at the Seneca Niagara Casino; after
many years in the work force, he retired from his job as a Toll
Collector with the New York State Thruway Authority; and

WHEREAS, Marcus D. Stokes' commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, He was a member of several Block Clubs, and he worked
towards community improvement, in the political arena with political
leaders; he was known for his culinary skills and his gift to others

were the delicious meals he prepared at the Kerns Bowling Alley,
Sophisticated Soul, and The Golden Nugget; and

WHEREAS, Marcus D. Stokes frequently volunteered as the cook for the
many Block Clubs outings he attended, and for Senior Citizen Centers; he
enjoyed traveling and attending national hair shows with his beloved
fiancee Odessa Durham; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his grandmother, Sally Mae Stokes, and his
mother, Norma L. Jefferson, in addition to his fiancee, Marcus D. Stokes
is survived by his father, Anthony "Pops" Mitchell; his sister, Gail A.
Mitchell; his nephew, Deneer V. Parker, Sr.; his step-brother, Nathaniel
Myricks; and his Godmother, Mary Anderson; as well as a host of beloved
relatives and friends, and his Church and community; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Marcus D. Stokes leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourning the death of Marcus D. Stokes, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Marcus D. Stokes.