Cornelia Beatrice Russell Stokes ("Connie") was born on February 20, 1924, at Harlem Hospital in New York City to Harold Edward Russell, Sr. and Sara Ann Brock Russell. She was the younger of two children, and her brother Harold predeceased her. Connie's early education was in Yonkers, New York, and after a family tragedy, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she attended Francis Junior High and Dunbar High School, graduating in 1943. It was here that she formed a lifelong, sisterly bond with Clara Shearin, a friendship that lasted for over eight decades. After school, Connie and Clara worked for the Atomic Energy Commission, starting careers that would define their futures.

In 1947, Connie married Reed Isaiah Stokes, Jr., a handsome Navy sailor, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, where they both became devoted members. Their marriage, filled with love and joy, was the start of a family life centered around faith, community, and love. Connie and Reed had two sons, Reed Isaiah Stokes, III, and Russell Murray Stokes, Sr., and raised their family with a sense of togetherness and devotion to St. Luke's. Connie and Reed also made several moves, including to Manassas, Virginia, where Reed built a beautiful home for the family, showcasing his love for her in every detail.

Connie's career at Howard University's Moorland Spingarn Research Center, where she worked for many years before retiring in 1986, reflected her passion for knowledge and community. She adored her students and colleagues, adopting many as an extended family. Outside of work, Connie was a beloved member of her church, serving as Archivist and on the Pastoral Search Committee. She was also deeply involved in volunteering at the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. and the Smithsonian Institution.

Connie was also a loving and gracious hostess, known for her elegance and creativity. She cherished family and friends and made everyone feel welcomed with her warm smile, infectious laughter, and loving spirit. Connie was a master at decorating her home, creating a welcoming and beautiful space for gatherings. Her holiday traditions, including a Christmas Eve celebration complete with midnight gatherings, gift exchanges, and her world-famous fruitcake and rum cake, are fondly remembered. She took great pride in preparing meals for her family, including elaborate Thanksgiving dinners for over 40 people, where everyone sat together at a table that stretched the length of the house.

Through the trials and losses she faced—including the deaths of her husband Reed in 1981, her son Reed III in 1991, and her son Russell in 2015—Connie remained a pillar of strength. She poured love into her work and volunteer activities, never submitting to sorrow, but instead, focusing on the joy and connection she brought to others. Her community held her in deep respect, and even in her final days, she greeted visitors with a smile and warmth. Connie's legacy

is one of love, resilience, and unwavering faith. She is now reunited with her beloved husband and sons, wearing her well-deserved heavenly crown.

Connie leaves to celebrate her legacy her grandchildren, Reed Isaiah Stokes, IV (preceded her in death) Sean Russell Stokes, Camille Monee Stokes (preceded her in death), Akishia Shaw Thomas (Dante), Carmen Stokes Toronto (Shawn), Cierra Mylin Stokes and Russell Murray Stokes, Jr. – ten great- grandchildren Elisa Stokes, Auzhane' Shaw, Isaiah Shaw, Deon Thomas, Ajah Stokes, Santana Toronto, Ahmir Thomas, Savanna Toronto, Inari Thomas and Seanna Toronto - three nieces, Sondra K. Copeland, Francine Russell Brown, Yvonne D. Russell - four nephews, Harold E. Russell, III, Howard E. Russell, Geoffrey A. Reynolds (Deborah) and Gregory Reynolds and their families - godchild, Andrea Weeks Hardin and her brother, William E. Weeks (Victoria) - (Clara's children) and their families – the entire St. Luke's Church family and the Sheridan Street community family and so many, many more.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, February 25th at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, located at 1514 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005. The family will receive friends from 10:00AM to 11:00AM, with services to follow.

Cornelia will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.