Senate Resolution No. 520 BY: Senator KENNEDY MOURNING the death of Marcus D. Stokes, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Marcus Damone Stokes of Buffalo, New York, died on Monday, March 8, 2021, at the age of 58; and WHEREAS, Marcus D. Stokes was born in Buffalo, New York, on August 3, 1962, to Norma L. Jefferson and Anthony Mitchell; and WHEREAS, As a congregant of White Rock Missionary Baptist Church, he was a faithful member of its Choir; as his spiritual development continued, he later united with the Elim Christian Fellowship; and WHEREAS, Educated in the Buffalo Public School System, Marcus D. Stokes attended Public School No. 31, and graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in 1980, earning a diploma in Business and Science; he continued his educational pursuits as a student at the University of Buffalo's Educational Opportunity Center from which he earned a Certificate as a Sterilization Process Technician; he went on to earn a Certificate as a Dialysis Technician from Niagara Community College; and WHEREAS, Marcus D. Stokes distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and WHEREAS, His employment experience began in 1986 as a Sales Specialist with National Warehouse, a Customer Service Representative with Marine Midland Bank, and later HSBC Bank; he then served as a Loss Prevention Officer and Overnight Lead Guest Representative with the Buffalo Hyatt Regency Hotel; and WHEREAS, For his dedicated service and commitment to excellence, Marcus D. was honored as the 1999 Employee of the Year by the Hyatt Regency Hotel; known by all for being a hard worker, he also served as the Food and Beverage Supervisor at the Seneca Niagara Casino; after many years in the work force, he retired from his job as a Toll Collector with the New York State Thruway Authority; and WHEREAS, Marcus D. Stokes' commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, He was a member of several Block Clubs, and he worked towards community improvement, in the political arena with political leaders; he was known for his culinary skills and his gift to others were the delicious meals he prepared at the Kerns Bowling Alley, Sophisticated Soul, and The Golden Nugget; and WHEREAS, Marcus D. Stokes frequently volunteered as the cook for the many Block Clubs outings he attended, and for Senior Citizen Centers; he enjoyed traveling and attending national hair shows with his beloved fiancee Odessa Durham; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his grandmother, Sally Mae Stokes, and his mother, Norma L. Jefferson, in addition to his fiancee, Marcus D. Stokes is survived by his father, Anthony "Pops" Mitchell; his sister, Gail A. Mitchell; his nephew, Deneer V. Parker, Sr.; his step-brother, Nathaniel Myricks; and his Godmother, Mary Anderson; as well as a host of beloved relatives and friends, and his Church and community; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Marcus D. Stokes leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourning the death of Marcus D. Stokes, and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Marcus D. Stokes.