Dr. Michele J. Lea-Stokes, 66, of Inglewood, Calif., formerly of Monessen, Pa., departed this life suddenly on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022. She was a 1974 graduate of Monessen High School. Born on Aug. 1, 1956, Michele was an accomplished medical doctor. As a board-certified psychiatrist, Michele treated patients in Texas, Pennsylvania and California. Most recently she worked in a number of clinics as a staff psychiatrist at the Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Michele maintained a passion and unrelenting enthusiasm for treating her patients. She diligently strived to perfect her craft and achieved honorary recognition from the American Psychiatric Association. She loved her work, considering it to be both a privilege and honor to assist her patients in achieving their best quality of life. Though her pursuit for professional excellence was rewarding, Michele’s greatest source of joy and accomplishment emanated from her relationships with family and friends. Michele loved to entertain and was the perfect host. Due to an expressed fear of missing out (“FOMO”), she was rarely a “no show” at family events, whether near or far. She grabbed life by its horns and rode it in happiness, often joining family and friends in international travel or simply inside a Las Vegas casino. Michele loved all people and especially relished the holidays. She went all in, wearing costumes and giving perfect gifts to share her joy of holiday spirit with her loved ones. As the eldest child of the late Edward and Evelyn Lea of Monessen, she was a devoted sister and will be immensely missed by her siblings, Leslie F. Lea of Lake Dallas, Texas; Terri Y. Lea, Esquire, of Washington, D.C.; and Eddie F. Lea of Monessen. She will be equally missed and mostly remembered by her four children, Timothy L. Stokes Jr. (Anne) of Pottstown, Pa.; Darien C. Stokes of Los Angeles, Calif.; Cameron D. Stokes of Inglewood, Calif.; and Shannon M. Stokes of Harrisburg, Pa. To honor her legacy, Michele leaves two precious grandchildren, whom she loved and adored, Dexter M. Stokes and Griffin T. Stokes. As an aunt who played an active role, she will be fondly remembered by her nephews, Edward F. Lea III of Pittsburgh and Evan I. Lea of Lake Dallas, Texas; and niece, Amara E. Lea-Ahaghotu of Atlanta, Ga. She was preceded in death by Cari Lea Ezennia, a beloved niece. Her bright smile and unsurpassed zest for life will also be treasured by her ex-husband, Timothy Stokes Sr. of Katy, Texas; her Aunt Emma Collins of Oakridge, N.J.; her godmother, Hilda Lewis of Monessen; Lucy, her beloved German shepherd; and a host of cousins and friends, with whom she held a special bond. Family and friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, and 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, until the hour of service at Union Baptist Church, 670 McMahon Ave., Monessen, PA 15062, with the Rev. Jack Howell officiating. Interment will take place at Belle Vernon Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to ROBERT A. WATERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 449 Mitchell Ave., Clairton, PA 15025, 412-233-6745.
