Terry Stokes

Terry Van Stokes, 65, of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of an aortic dissection on September 30, 2026 at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Texas.

Terry was born in Norfolk, Virginia on January 29, 1961 to Mary Etta and Charles Stokes. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, he went on to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, becoming the first in his family to study at a four-year college. While there, he met the love of his life, June Peters Stokes. He graduated with a B.S. in civil engineering in 1983 and went on to a five-decade career in project management and economic & community development.

His work involved developing university research parks, building relationships to extend resources and opportunities from universities to their surrounding neighborhoods, founding business incubators to support local entrepreneurs, overseeing a town’s economic recovery during the COVID pandemic, and much more. All of this he did flowed out of his passion for lifting the disadvantaged out of economic hardship. Beyond these accomplishments, he was known by those who worked for and with him for being a caring and supportive manager.

Terry loved curating the best music of the 60s, 70s, and 80s for loved ones through playlists and written historical sketches of various artists and groups. He was an avid baseball, basketball, football, and NASCAR fan. He cherished his time spent serving in men’s ministries and marriage ministries in local churches. He loved history documentaries, classic sitcoms, and Pixar movies.

Terry is survived by his wife, June, and his children, Jaclyn and Terry.

His family was the joy of his life. He especially enjoyed reliving his childhood through special music and sports experiences with his children.

Terry will be remembered for his storytelling, his comedic timing and sensibility, and his steady reliability. His ability to find meaning and often humor in even the most challenging circumstances will continue to be a gift to those who knew him.
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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome through an Ever Loved fund, linked below.