Elvira Celestine Stokes Tyler

Elvira Celestine Stokes Tyler, affectionately known as “Topsy,” was born in Franklin, VA, on January 12, 1948, to Andrew and Dorothy Wells Stokes. After a brief illness, Elvira passed away at home in Chesapeake, VA, on March 22, 2024.

 Elvira attended public schools in Nansemond County and graduated from Southwestern High School in Holland, VA, in 1966, where she was a member of the girls Varsity basketball team and the high school choir. She then attended Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA, and received her Bachelor's degree in Home Economics Education and Textiles and Clothing in 1971. She was also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Kappa Omicron Phi (Home Economics Honor Society).  In 1979, she obtained her Master’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, VA.

 After graduating from college, Elvira began her teaching career in Appomattox, VA, and finally chose to work as an educator at Booker T. Washington High School (BTW) in Norfolk, VA. She remained there for 32 years until her retirement. While at BTW, she specialized in Home Economics/Family and Consumer Sciences. Elvira also attended and received additional certifications from the Disney Culinary Institute in Orlando, Florida, and another in Wisconsin. She was also a member and leader of the FHA (Future Homemakers of America) at BTW. Her most notable were, the Inspiration Award in 2000 and her commendation for her many years of dedicated service to the Norfolk Public School System in June 2004.

Elvira also had an entrepreneurial spirit. She operated her Mary Kay Cosmetics business as an Independent Consultant for over 25 years. During that time, she received many accolades and awards for top sales and outstanding achievements, reaching her goal of Directorship, and earning a Mary Kay cherry red Grand Am.

Elvira was a lifelong Christian and an active church member from a young age. She served and sang in the youth choir in her home church, Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Suffolk, VA. As an adult, Elvira and her family were members of Providence UCC, Faith Acts, Rivers of Living Waters (where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and Praise and Worship Leader) and spent her recent 18+ years as an active member at New Life Church in Virginia Beach (Kempsville Campus) where she served as a greeter, assisted in the food pantry and was a choir member for special events.  She enjoyed learning to play the piano, spending time with her family and friends, and serving at her church. 

Elvira and Alexander W. Tyler Jr. were married on June 19, 1971, for 53 years at the time of her passing. From this union, two children were born, Rachel N. Tyler and Brandon A. Tyler.

Left to celebrate and cherish her memories are Alexander W. Tyler of Chesapeake, VA (husband), Rachel N. Tyler and Brandon A. Tyler of Chesapeake, VA (children), Sisters, Faye Stokes, formerly of Silver Spring, MD, and Bonnie Howard (Charles) of CA. Nieces and Nephews:  Shawn Stokes, Andrea Nathan, Brittney Stokes, Dariel Nathan, Adrian Nathan, Courtney Nathan, Ivan Nathan, Isis Nathan, and a host of additional family members and friends.

Elvira was loved by all who knew her and will truly be missed.