Obituaries

Griffin Walker Stokes, known lovingly as Griff, passed away on May 27, 2026, at the age of twenty. Born on February 19, 2006, in Sherman, Texas, Griffin lived his entire life in the community he called home, leaving an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Griffin was, by all accounts, the kind of person you just wanted to be around. He was kind and genuine, the type who made you feel like you mattered the moment he walked into a room. He had a quiet humility about him, never one to seek the spotlight, but his warmth and engaging personality drew people to him naturally. He inherited his parents' sharp, sarcastic humor, especially his Mom's, and he knew exactly how to use it to make the people around him laugh. He was reliable, trustworthy, and hardworking, the kind of young man who showed up and followed through, every single time.

Griffin was fiercely protective of his loved ones and close friends, but his tenderness was just as defining. He never let his mom leave the house, come home, or go to bed without a hug. Always. It was non-negotiable, and it was one of the countless small ways he showed the people he loved that they were seen and valued. He would regularly ask his Mom out on "date nights," evenings that both of them held incredibly dear. Griffin also made a habit of bonding with his brother nightly while they enjoyed their pastime of video games. And after his brother and Mom had gone to bed, Griffin had a nightly ritual of watching shows with his Dad, their own special time together that became one of the quiet, sacred rhythms of their household.

Academically, Griffin was exceptional. He graduated from Texoma Christian School (2024) with not only his high school diploma but also his Associate's Degree from Grayson College a week prior, an accomplishment that allowed him to enter Austin College as a junior. He would have graduated in May 2027.

Griffin loved to travel and would have done so regularly had life and finances allowed. He had a deep love for animals, especially the family dogs, and above all others, Kona, their chocolate lab, held the top spot in his heart. Because his father and sister are adopted, Griffin grew up with a personal connection to adoption that shaped his dreams for the future. He hoped to one day adopt children of his own, possibly a sibling group, giving them the same love and belonging his family had given each other.

Griffin is survived by his father, Jerry Stokes; his mother, Lisa Stokes; his sister, Emma Stokes; and his brother, Brody Stokes. Together, they mourn the loss of a son, a brother, and a young man whose life, though far too brief, was filled with purpose, love, and laughter. He is also survived by numerous grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Honorary Pallbearers: Brody Stokes, Jack Hightower, Adi Gajadien and Benjamin Harris

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart..." (Proverbs 3:5). May that trust carry Griffin's family and all who loved him through the days ahead, and may the faith he was raised in bring comfort in the knowledge that he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The funeral will be held Saturday, June 13th at Legacy Bible Church at 11:00AM (4818 FM 691, Denison TX) with a family night Friday, June 12th 6PM-8PM at Dannel Funeral Home (302 S Walnut St, Sherman TX). In lieu of flowers we ask donations to be made in Griffin’s honor to Texoma Christian School or True Options Pregnancy Center.

For those who can not physically attend Griffin's service, here is the livestreaming link:

https://legacybiblechurch.subspla.sh/nqcxpt9

With love,
Jerry, Lisa, Emma, and Brody