Curtis Stokes was born on April 22, 1938 in Columbus, Mississippi. He was the third child born to the union of Joe and Willie Mae Stokes.

Curtis grew up as a farm boy alongside his eleven siblings in a close knit family rooted in faith, hard work, and love. He spent his early years raising animals and working the land, developing a deep appreciation for the outdoors that remained with him throughout his life. Those early experiences shaped the gentle, hardworking, and humble man so many came to know and love.

As a young man Curtis made his way to Cincinnati Ohio where he built a life and career working for General Motors until the plant’s closure. During those years, while balancing work and church, he met the love of his life, Bertha Mae Duncan. What began as admiration soon blossomed into a beautiful love story. Curtis married Bertha and lovingly embraced her five children as his own, becoming a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Faith was at the center of Curtis’s life. He and Bertha shared a love for church and music, often singing together in choirs. Curtis had a special gift for music and found joy in playing both the piano and guitar.

Whether singing praises, sharing music with loved ones, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with an instrument in hand, music was one of the many ways he expressed his faith and love.

Curtis and Bertha remained faithfully married until her departure from this earthly life. Their marriage was a shining example of commitment, partnership, and enduring love. One of Curtis’s greatest joys was helping to raise his granddaughter, Schmona alongside Bertha from the age of 15 until age 28.

After the passing of his beloved wife Curtis was blessed to have the unwavering love and care of his eldest daughter Pamela. In the years following her mother’s passing, Pamela selflessly devoted herself to her father’s well-being, seeing after him daily and ensuring he was cared for, comforted, and never alone. Her dedication reflected the same love, compassion, and commitment that Curtis and Bertha had shown their family throughout their lives. Through her tireless efforts, she honored both her father and mother’s legacy, providing him with dignity, companionship, and unconditional love until his final days.

Curtis was also supported and loved by his daughter Linda, whose care and presence were deeply appreciated by the family.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Willie Mae Stokes, his son Robert Duncan, grandson Santino Watson, and siblings Milton Stokes and Betty Blunt.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children Linda Duncan, Dwight Duncan (Carla), Ricky Duncan and Pamela Watkins; grandchildren Schamona Lewis, LaRescha Hunter (Michael), Marciano Watson (Kortnie), Kevin Hicks, Joshua Duncan (Ashley) and Jeremy Duncan; great-grandchildren Raianna Watson, Kali Watson, Ryli Watson, Rimaya Terrell, Anthony Hunter and Michael Hunter; siblings Bernice Davis (Randy, deceased), Thelma Tucker, Joe Stokes (Leola), Clyde Stokes (Gloria), Willie Stokes (Clenton), Ella Wee Hairston (Willie), James Stokes (Reanir, deceased), Hannah Mccrary (Thomas, deceased) and Samuel Stokes (Leona); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will cherish his memory forever.

Many will remember Curtis for his good southern manners, gentle spirit, warm smile, and loving kindness. He was a man who loved his family deeply, cherished his faith, enjoyed the beauty of God's creation and never met a stranger. His life was a testament to hard work, compassion, humility, and service to others.

Though we grieve his passing, we are grateful for the 88 years he shared with us. His legacy lives on through the family he loved, the values he instilled, the songs he sang, the music he played, and the countless lives he touched along the way. Rest peacefully, Curtis Stokes, aka “Cowboy”. Reunited with your beloved Bertha, your journey continues in eternal peace.

You will forever be loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

He will be laid to rest at Landmark Memorial Gardens, 1600 Glendale Milford Road , Cincinnati, Ohio 45215.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Stokes family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Stokes family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.