Joan Stokes, 84, of Plant City, died Jan. 21, 2014.
She was a member of Plant City’s First Baptist Church of Plant City. She was a descendent of the pioneering McDonald family, who moved in 1867, from Hopewell, Ala., to Florida.
Upon arrival, they purchased a large tract of land and aptly named their new home Hopewell to honor their roots. Part of the land was donated to develop Hopewell Baptist Church, and the remaining land was divided among the six children, who developed the land into citrus groves.
She is survived by her husband of 19 years Mac Stokes; son, Devon Shuman, Jr. (Sandra); brother, Ralph Carter; granddaughters, Jennifer, Sarah, Julia, Lindsay and Brittany; four great-grandchildren; and cousin Jack Rushing.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Shuman Bridges; brother, Norman McDonald; parents, Grey and Helen McDonald; and grandparents, who raised her, Sam and Clara McDonald.
A Celebration of Life was held Jan. 25, at at the Historic Chapel of Hopewell Baptist Church, Plant City. Interment followed at Old Hopewell Cemetery, Plant City.
Online condolences may be made to the family at wecare.io.
