OBITUARY: Alexandria Native Mary Victorine (Day) Stokes, 97, Parker Gray Graduate and Public Service Worker
ALEXANDRIA, VA – On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Mary Victorine (Day) Stokes, passed away. She was 97. Born January 1, 1926, Mary was the only surviving daughter to Robert Day and Victorine Johnson Day in Alexandria, VA. She was the second youngest of eight children, including Lawrence Day, Robert ”Hoggie” Day, Hilary Day, Quentin “Snook” Day, Ferdinand Day, George Day, and Clarence “Buck” Day.
Mary was united in holy matrimony with Russell Stokes. The couple built a life in their home on South Pitt Street in Alexandria, VA. Always to be found with one of her brothers, Mary was a proud auxiliary member of the Departmental Progressive Club, the oldest private social club in Alexandria, VA, which was founded in 1927 to provide a place where Black men could gather, socialize and interact with the community at a time when socialization options were limited for African Americans.
A Life In Service To Others
Mary led a life rooted in service to others. After graduating from Parker Gray High School in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1944, she attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. She then went into public service working in the Section of Dockets at the U.S. Department of Justice. Mary was a hard worker and her performance review noted “The dedication with which Mrs. Stokes has carried out her day-to-day duties, coupled with the exceptionally capable manner in which she has performed those tasks, has enabled her to not only expedite the work of her regular duties in a superior outstanding manner, but to accept additional work and responsibility when called upon to do so.”
A Life of Adventure
Mary loved gathering with family and friends. She and her brothers had season tickets to the Baltimore Orioles (before the return of the Washington Nationals) and often during the season, they would gather for sandwiches and journey together to the games. She was also an avid Washington Redskins fan and would often watch the games on Sundays. On Wednesday evenings, she could always be found at home with her closest friends for their weekly bridge games. In more recent years, she loved puzzles, card games, painting, and dancing. She always looked forward to conversations in the garden or getting dressed up for the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with family.
A Life That Will Forever Be Missed But Never Forgotten
Mary was called home to God on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at the age of 97 years old. Life will never be the same without Mary here on earth, but her memory will live on through the legacy she has left behind for her nieces Bernice Lee, Gwendolyn Day-Fuller, Francine Day, Crystal Day and Doris Jenkins; nephews Clyde Davis, Robert Day, and Lawrence Day; and a host of other relatives and friends.
The family is eternally grateful for the tireless and compassionate care provided by Silverado Alexandria Memory Care Community and Woodbine Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center – Alexandria.
She is survived by her nieces Bernice Lee, Gwendolyn Day-Fuller, Francine Day, Crystal Day and Doris Jenkins; nephews Clyde Davis, Robert Day, and Lawrence Day; and a host of other relatives and friends. After attending Howard University, Mary served at the U.S. Department of Justice until her retirement. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, 711 N. Columbus St., Alexandria, VA 22314 followed by interment at Mount Comfort Cemetery. Repast at Departmental Progressive Club, 411 Gibbon St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Arrangements by Greene Funeral Home.
