Lillie Bell Wingo

A Virtuous Woman 

1930-2026

Lillie Bell Stokes Wingo, affectionately known as “Mama Ray,” peacefully gained her heavenly wings on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the age of 95, surrounded by the love of her family in the comfort of her home.

Born in Leake County Mississippi on July 22, 1930. She was the beloved daughter of the late Willie Stokes and Lillie Bell Leflore Stokes. At an early age, she joined Christian Union Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served and worshiped throughout her life until her health began to decline. 

Mama Ray was a woman of remarkable strength, wisdom, grace, and unconditional love. Firm yet fair, she possessed a beautiful spirit that touched countless lives. She loved her family beyond measure and found her greatest joy in caring for and supporting those she loved.

She was united in holy matrimony to the late Willie Wingo, and together they were blessed with four daughters, a loving family, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

A special chapter in Mama Ray’s life was her longevity and the blessing of witnessing generations of family grow and flourish. She was the last surviving child of the late Willie and Lillie Bell Leflore Stokes, having outlived all of her beloved siblings. With the passing of her sister, Josie nearly two months ago, she became the final living member of her parents’ immediate family. Though her brothers and sisters departed before her, their memories remained forever etched in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie Wingo; daughters, Christine Gardner (Willie C.) and Rodean Smith (Antia); son-in-law, Ricky Cooks; granddaughter, Catherine Jones; great-grandchildren Sanford, Christopher, and Tyler  ; her parents, Willie and Lillie Bell Stokes; siblings, L.V. Luckett, Bessie Luckett, Sonny Stokes, L.E. Stokes, Annie Bell Zollicoffer, Walter Stokes, Josie Sanders, Dan Stokes, and Annie Pearl Guess; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other loved ones who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her devoted daughters, Arma Cooks and Annie Wingo; thirteen grandchildren, a vast array of great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends.

Mama Ray’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, love, and family. Though she has departed this earthly life, her legacy will continue to live on through the generations she nurtured and inspired. Her love will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

“Her children arise up and call her blessed.”— Proverbs 31:28

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