Wilbert N. Stockton Sr., 94

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mr. Wilbert Ned Stockton Sr., 94, affectionately known by his family as "PaPa," transitioned to his eternal home on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017.

Mr. Stockton was born June 3, 1923, to Ned and Ann Walker Stockton in Reidsville, N.C. He graduated from Reidsville High School and then married the love of his life, Lois Denny Stockton, on February 4, 1941. Mr. & Mrs. Stockton made the decision to move north to Pittsfield, Mass., to pursue a better life for themselves and their family. He worked in the family business with his Uncle Henry doing auto detailing. He soon became employed for E.D. Jones Company, which later became Beloit Corporation. He retired from Beloit after 42 years of service.

Mr. Stockton served on several boards within the City of Pittsfield and was recognized in 1991 as having been the first African American councilman in Pittsfield.

He was predeceased by his parents; one brother, James Stockton; and one sister, Ruby Miller.

He leaves to cherish his memory, along with his wife of 76 years, his children Lois Stockton, Ronald (Darlene) Stockton of Laredo, Texas, Wilbert Stockton Jr. of Cape Cod, Mass., Mark (Becky) Stockton of Rutland, Vt., Monica Stockton of Arizona, Chauncey (Christine) Stockton of Cape Cod, Mass., Wayne (Missy) Stockton of Greenville, S.C., and Raya (Theodore) Stockton of Pittsfield; 21 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; a special nephew, Douglas (Shirley) Davis of Georgia; a special niece, Sonnie Gail (Roy) Brown of North Caroline; and a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Special thanks to all of PaPa's caregivers, including grandsons Brennan and Cameron Stockton, and many special friends and neighbors.

Funeral notice: Funeral services for Mr. Wilbert Ned "PaPa" Stockton Sr. will be held Sunday, August 13, 2017, at 1:30 p.m., at Second Congregational Church, 50 Onota Street, Pittsfield, with Pastor William L. Brown Sr. officiating, assisted by Rev. Sheila Sholes-Ross.

Calling hours will precede the service beginning at 1 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Breast Cancer Foundation in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.