HINDS COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Hinds County Judge LaRita Cooper-Stokes died on Monday, May 8. She was 64.

Cooper-Stokes was the wife of Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes, Ward 3.

She was previously hospitalized in March 2023 to undergo a procedure to have fluid removed from her lungs. Cooper-Stokes was previously hospitalized in 2016.

Cooper-Stokes served as the County Court judge for District 2. Before she was a judge for the county, she served on the Jackson City Council.

Officials from across Jackson and Hinds County offered their condolences to the Stokes family.

“We mourn the passing of our distinguished colleague and friend, Judge LaRita Cooper-Stokes. Judge Stokes served the citizens of Hinds County with integrity, compassion, and fairness while serving as Senior County Court Judge. Our prayers are with her family, friends, and the entire community of Hinds County as we all remember and honor her life and her distinguished service to others. We are grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside her, and we offer our sincere condolences to the Cooper and Stokes families,” said Hinds County Court Judges Johnnie McDaniels and Carlyn Hicks.

“My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the family, friends and husband, City of Jackson Councilman Kenneth Stokes, on the recent passing of Hinds County Judge LaRita Cooper-Stokes. She will always be remembered for her love of people and she will be sorely missed,” said Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones.

“I would like to send my condolences to Councilman Kenneth Stokes and the family of Judge LaRita Cooper-Stokes after her passing this morning. LaRita was a longtime public servant for the City of Jackson and Hinds County. She became the first Black woman judge elected to the bench in Hinds County in 2014. Before this, she served as Jackson councilwoman for Ward 3. Her service to the community and efforts to make the world a better place from where she stood will be remembered. I am prayerful for the family and friends of LaRita, and the City of Jackson mourns her loss,” said Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba.

“The Jackson Public School District extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to Councilman Kenneth Stokes and family regarding the passing of his beloved wife, Judge Larita Cooper Stokes. She was a proud supporter and advocate for Jackson Public Schools. Her legacy of public service will live on through all the lives of those she touched,” the Jackson Public School District (JPS) said in a statement on social media.

During a special called meeting on Monday, the Hinds County Board of Supervisors passed a motion to have the flags located at county buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Cooper-Stokes.

The visitation for Cooper-Stokes will be held on Friday, May 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Jackson Memorial Funeral Service. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church.