Shona "Twin" Stokes

Shona Latrice Stokes Gates, 52, of Atlanta, Georgia, entered eternal rest after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 27, 1973, in Atlanta to the late Ms. Virginia Ann Davis and Mr. Calvin W. Stokes.

Raised in a Holiness family, Shona was baptized as a child and attended church faithfully. God was always the center of her life, and she instilled that same foundation in her children, ensuring they were baptized and dedicated to Christ at a young age.
Shona was educated in the Atlanta Public School system, attending J.E. Brown High School with the Class of 1991 before graduating from Booker T. Washington High School.
In 1998, Shona transitioned from being a devoted homemaker to joining the workforce as a paraprofessional with Atlanta Public Schools, where she served for many years. Her nurturing spirit led her to earn her CNA certification in 2009 and co-found S & S Personal Care with her daughter Tynice, providing exceptional care to private-duty clients. She also served as a Patient Care Technician with Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Hospital, and Shepherd Center until 2022, when she devoted herself fully to her fight against cancer.
A proud and loving mother to five children, Shona dedicated her life to raising them with unwavering love and guidance. Of all her many titles, “Grandma” was the one she cherished most. Her four grandchildren—Kelis, Zylah, Khalil and Terrence—were her greatest joy, and she filled their lives with endless love, wisdom, and memories they will carry forever.

Shona was a woman of style, grace, and talent. Known for her impeccable fashion sense and love of beauty, she had been a trendsetter since childhood. She was a phenomenal natural hair braider—especially for her granddaughter Kelis—an interior design enthusiast, a gifted makeup artist with Bovanti Cosmetics, and an exceptional cook whose meals brought people together.

She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Shina Stokes Johnson; her mother, Virginia Ann Davis; her father, Calvin W. Stokes; her nephew, Dontavious Stokes; her grandmother, Nadell Davis; and her brothers, Donald Stokes and Michael Lowe.

Shona leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Tynice Shahid, Zakia Wilkins, Andreonna Wilkins, LeNois Rice Jr. (Jamie), and Qumme Childs; grandchildren, Kelis Parks, Zylah Evans, Khalil Everett and Terrence Evans III; sisters, Carol Stokes, Debra Stokes, and Venessa White; brother, Jeffrey Stokes (Tracy); brother-in-law, Nash (Moe) Johnson II; nephews, Jacquez Lewis, Corey Lewis Jr , Desean Thomas, and Nash Johnson III; niece, Miari Mims; great-nephews, JaCorey Shockley and Mason Rhone; goddaughter, Bria Hill; godson, Jarvis Gibson; the Snipes family of Atlanta and Butler, GA; special cousins of Flint, Michigan; her “Circle of Sisters” Tamika Rainwater, Micha Ricks, Kesha Andrews, Kesha Rucker, Deanna Snipes, Bridget Njoku, and Meyone Turner; her beloved pet companions, Kobi, Jaxon, and Lucky Charms; and a host of extended relatives and friends.

Shona’s life was a testament to love, faith, and resilience. She will forever be remembered as “That Girl”—stylish, strong willed, nurturing, and full of life. Her light will continue to shine through all who knew and loved her.