Luetrell Artis

Stokes-Shedd

The inclusive, welcoming Luetrell Artis Shedd Stokes born in Toledo on March 14, 1948 took her rest in the loving arms of the Lord on June 20, 2026. She was the first of six children born to the union of Edward L. Shedd Sr. and Ida Mae Kelly-Shedd. She was the widow of Edwin Stokes who died in 1997. Luetrell was the loving mother of two, Damon Shedd and Lisa Stokes. She reared and nurtured her granddaughter Shayla Stokes.

Luetrell was a graduate of Harriette Whitney Vocational High School where she trained in the medical program. She worked as a Medical Transcriber at Riverside Hospital until its closing. She is a graduate of Moody Bible College and has taught the Moody curriculum locally.

Viewed as "THE fun" relative, Luetrell was the "hostess with the mostess"! She was welcoming to ALL, including strangers. She hosted lively Bid Whist parties excelling at the game. Good food was a key element of her gatherings. An excellent cook, every dish was a delicious treat but her dressing, peach cobbler and 7-up pound cakes were craved the most .

With a rich history of church involvement and leadership Luetrell was the leader of the youth group at Calvary Baptist Church under Rev. J. A. Dotson. She stated that as a maturing Christian, she was mentored by two great women of faith. They were Sister Peggy Moore at the Body of Christ and Bishop Patricia McKinstry at the Worship Center. Within these congregations she was an intercessor, encourager, exalter and educator. She was the coordinator of Vacation Bible School, a worship leader and Wednesday Night Bible Study Teacher. She had also become a student of the African presence and influence in the Bible.

She ministered in many states as well as Canada, London England and was the featured speaker at a Women's Conference and Workshop in Ibadan Nigeria. Sister Luetrell Stokes was the founder of the women focused "Word and Truth Ministry".

Drawn to smaller churches where she was able to exercise her gifts and serve fellow believers. She was a member of River of God International Church pastored by Columba Niboro.

When their mother passed Luetrell told her siblings that she was matriarch of the family and proclaimed she was in charge. She did an excellent job. The time was just too short.

Luetrell Artis Shedd Stokes was preceded in death by husband Edwin Stokes, parents Edward and Ida Shedd. Remaining to cherish her memory are children Damon Shedd and Lisa Stokes; grandchildren: Shayla Stokes, special grandson Rashad Shedd, DaShonda, D'Twain, Tevin and Angel Shedd, Janissa and Kayla Stokes and Savannah Chiles; two great-grandchildren: DaSani Fowler and Ahmad Edge; sisters Gwendolyn Strong (Thomas), Tanya Shedd, Demetra Frye (Joseph), Regina Rembert (Lamont) and brother Edward Shedd Jr.; Goddaughter Tracey Wright; sister-friend Jean Jackson; daughter-in- law Ronnie Smith; Lineage families: the Ivy's, Kelly's, Waters', Wiggins' and Allen's in addition to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who truly adored her.