Funeral Services celebrating her life will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home 5701 Hwy. 277 S. in Abilene. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park where her earthly remains will be laid to rest next to her husband. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 6-8:00 PM also at the funeral home.
Benita was born on April 7, 1942 in Breckenridge, TX to the late Miguel and Valentina(Arroyo) Olivares. She married Fred Bernal Stokes in 1963. Benita and Fred were longtime members of First Christian Church where they both were active in several ministries. Benita's work ethic was unmatched, she was a registered nurse for many years with Hendricks and AISD a majority of her years with AISD were at Taylor Elementary. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred B. Stokes; her brothers, Mike and Jesse Olivares; and her sisters, Mary Burns and Socorro; and nephews, Richard and Charles Zapata. She leaves to cherish precious memories her sons; Fred, Jr and Gabriel Stokes; her daughter, Gracie Ann Stokes; her grandchildren, Savannah, Durann, Dakota, Mariah, Fred, III, Alexis, Nicoa, and Xavier; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Liandra Alcorta; and her sister-in-law, Mary Villareal.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliott-hamil.com for the Stokes family.
