Gwendolyn C. Stokes, aged 81, of Laurel, MS, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Comfort Care in Laurel, MS. Born on August 4, 1944, in Kemper County, Mississippi, she lived a long and fulfilling life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Willie Mae Cumberland; her son, Heath Miller; and her sisters, Shirley Jackson, Delores Wigington, and Shelia Luker.

Gwendolyn is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Odell Stokes. She leaves behind her sons, Tim Stokes (Brenda), Joey Stokes (Janet), Clay Welborn, Stacy Welborn, and Chance Stokes (Anna); her daughter, Darlene Dean (Johnny); and her sister, Judy Sellers. Her legacy continues through her grandsons, Will Welborn, Jacob Rogers (Lindsey), Justin Stokes, Brock Cochran, Chase Cochran, and Austin Stokes; and her grand-daughters, Taylor Welborn, Summer Randolph, Julie Rayner (Billy), Sabrina Stokes, Harli Cotton (Kade), Kayla Andrews (Chris), Kimberly Carlisle (William), and Keri Hans (Garold). She is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on March 4, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Laurel in Laurel, Mississippi. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM at the same location, with burial at SpringHill Baptist Church Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Bro. Kenny Morris and Bro. Kevin Luker will officiate the services.

Pallbearers will be Greg Wigington, Byron Luker, Brock Cochran, Chris Andrews, Eli Andrews, and William Carlisle.

The family extends a special thanks to the staff of Comfort Care Nursing Center of Laurel for their compassionate care. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel of Laurel.