Winnie Elaine (Wise) Stokes

Winnie Stokes, 77, of Malvern, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Montgomery, Louisiana, on December 10, 1948, to Ellis Dewey Wise and Zellie Maree Nation Wise.

Winnie was a woman who spoke her mind and never left anyone wondering what she was thinking. She did her best to watch her language—though those who knew and loved her know that wasn't always successful. She was simply herself, and her humor and unmistakable personality are among the many things her family and friends will miss most.

Winnie may not always have been one to openly show her feelings, but her family was never far from her heart or mind. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, thought of them often, and spoke of them frequently. Each was an important part of her life, whether she always said it out loud or not.

Winnie loved to crochet, care for her plants, and fish, but some of her most treasured moments were spent in the mornings on her front porch, drinking hot chocolate while others had coffee. She especially enjoyed this daily ritual with her best friend, Frances Rush, and her longtime health aide and “bonus daughter,” Tarsha Dawn. Those simple mornings filled with conversation and companionship became a special part of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ellis Dewey Wise and Zellie Marie Nation Wise; six brothers, Edward Wise, Archie Wise, Leroy Wise, Fred Wise, Jesse Wise, and Melvin Wise; three sisters, Willie Faye Wise Freeman, Glyn Marie Wise Shelton, and Geraldine Wise Roberts; and one grandson, Tristun Le Racine.

Those left to cherish her memory include her three daughters, Melinda Elaine Kelly (Clarence), Debra Lee Wampler (Mike), and Jean Marie Racine; one son, Leon Arthur Racine III (Amanda); thirteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; two brothers, Doug Wise and Jerry Wise; two sisters, Collene Myers (William) and Evelyn Smith; as well as numerous extended family members and friends who loved her dearly. Special thanks to Pastor Gary and Loveda DuVall for their never-ending support.

Memorial services for Ms. Winnie Elaine Wise Stokes will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Calvary's Cross Cowboy Church, 418 N. Olive St., Malvern, Arkansas, with Pastor Gary DuVall officiating.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com