Michael Jerome Fowlkes, Sr. Obituary (1957

Michael Jerome Fowlkes, Sr. was born to Alice Christine Stokes Fowlkes and the late Aubrey Fowlkes on January 20, 1957. He is preceded in death by his father, a sister, parental grandparents, and his maternal grandmother who raised him, Edna Juanita Stokes. He departed this earthly life on December 22, 2025. Michael loved God, his family, the church, and his community. He received Jesus as his Savior and joined Springfield Baptist Church at an early age. As an active member of Springfield, he served as a trustee, treasurer, youth ministry coordinator, Sunday school superintendent, and the president of the Hospitality Committee. Michael became a Deacon in 1986 and actively served in that capacity until he became a licensed minister in November 2016. His love for Christ and the youth was evident in his work at Springfield and throughout the community. Michael taught new member classes for parishioners joining Springfield and helped to coordinate youth events such as carnivals, plays, and youth trips to national museums, zoos, and colleges. Michael attended school in Lunenburg and Prince Edward Counties, graduating from Prince Edward County Public School System. He received an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Southside Community College. He went on to take courses at Virginia Seminary College in Lynchburg, Virginia and received certificates in Religious Studies from Virginia Union University. He was employed as a Deputy Sheriff in Lunenburg County for almost 30 years and worked as an investigator for over half of his career. Michael was the first black field officer and investigator in Lunenburg County. He was the first representative of the Lunenburg County Sheriff's Office to be involved with the Virginia State Police in the formulation of the Tri-County Drug Task Force. As a dedicated member of the community, Michael has coached little league baseball, given community speeches on safety and prevention of child abuse, and was a proud member of Victoria Masonic Lodge 187. Micheal was joined in marriage to Brinda Hurt Fowlkes on April 6, 1985. To this union two children were born: Michele Fowlkes and Michael Fowlkes, II. Michael leaves to cherish his precious memories, his wife: Brinda H. Fowlkes; children: Michele Fowlkes and Michael Fowlkes, II (Stephanie); grandchildren: Xavier (Jasmyn), Serenity, Zaire and Ariah; Great grandchild: Kai; his mother: Alice Christine Fowlkes; sister: Gwendolyn Andrews (Fernando); Aunts: Naomi Whitehead, Zenobia Batchelor; Uncles: Dr. Robert Stokes and Donald Pierce, Sr.; Brother in-law, Reverend Isiah Hurt; Sisters in Law: Rosa David, Everline Walton, and Betty Hurt and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.