Blanca Perla Stokes, 45, passed away peacefully with family by her side at Duke Hospital in Durham, NC on Wednesday, March 15. There will be a visitation held on Friday, March 24 from 6:00-8:00pm and a memorial service on Saturday, March 25 at 2:00pm, both at Joyner's Funeral Home in Wilson.
Growing up with her seven brothers and sisters, Perla spent the first 22 years of her life in Monterrey, Mexico. Shortly after the passing of her father, Perla moved to the United States to live with her oldest sister, Susana, in Selma, North Carolina. It was in nearby Wilson that she soon "bumped into" her husband and future father of her sons. As the saying goes, "the rest was history."
Perla learned many skills and trades upon moving to Wilson and getting married, but she quickly became the beautiful and smiling face of Kenco Home Improvement helping hundreds of Wilson and surrounding residents over the past ~20 years with their home improvement needs.
More importantly, Perla was an incredibly active member of her congregation at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Forest Hills Rd. Family and friends describe Perla as having been one of the best and most natural teachers of Bible truths they know as she helped dozens of Bible students over the years draw closer to God. She was incredibly hospitable, didn't know a stranger, and her magnetic personality had others captivated within minutes of meeting her. Perla was undoubtedly even more beautiful inside than out.
Perla is survived by her husband, Kenneth C. Stokes; son, Connor Stokes; step-sons, K. Brandon Stokes and Trevor Stokes; mother, Gregoria Gamez Mariño; siblings, Carlota Ortiz, Evangelina Ortiz, Rafael Ortiz, Antonio Ortiz, Dalila Ortiz, and Diana Ortiz; local "siblings" Noe Ortiz, Carlos Ortiz, and Mily Ortiz; and many well-loved nieces and nephews.
Perla was preceded in death by her father, Guadalupe Ortiz Cisneros, and her sister, Susana Ortiz.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help with continuing Perla's support of her elderly mother whom she loved dearly. Gifts may be sent to Brandon Stokes at 115 N Oscar Ln, Wendell, North Carolina 27591 (please write "Perla" in the memo).
