Lawrence (Jay) Stokes

Kayleen, Sharon, Connie, Sherice and Alecia are the proud and blessed daughters of a hero of a man, Lawrence Jay Stokes. They, along with his sweetheart, Fern Bodily Stokes, are desirous to honor his life and legacy. Jay never had a bad day! His robust hunger for the goodness of life and adding zest had power over all of us. Jay was born November 29, 1933 in Cleveland, Utah, to Helga Maria Johnson and William D. Stokes. He was an Emery County boy thru and thru and considered that area paradise USA. He passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at the age of 83.  Jay served in the LDS Johannesburg, South Africa Mission from 1954-1956. He married Fern Bodily on December 28, 1956, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Jay was an incredible loving father to five girls:  Kayleen Carter (Terry), Sharon Nelson (Howard), Connie Clawson (Michael), Sherice Lemperle (David), and Alecia Harris (Ross). He was a Prudential insurance salesman and discovered a passion for photography capturing family and wedding memories for so many which is no surprise because family and people meant everything to him.  His testimony of the Gospel was unwavering. Jay and Fern served in the LDS New York, New York South Mission and in the Salt Lake Temple. He is survived by his wife, five children, 26 grandchildren, and 27 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, and two grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Rose Park North Stake Center, 1155 North 1200 West, Salt Lake City, Utah. Viewings will be held at the same address on Thursday, May 18th from 6 – 8 pm and Friday, May 19th from 9:30 – 10:30 am.