Who was Joshua DeWitt Stukes? Joshua DeWitt Stukes was born May 8, 1992, in Kennesaw, Georgia (WellStar Kennestone Hospital) to Lynvalle DeWitt Stukes and Alfreda “Freda” Stukes. Joshua is the youngest of four children: Duamarius Stukes, Darmishiah Stukes and Ashley Stukes. Joshua has two nephews and two nieces that he loved dearly: J’andre, Ashton, D’amoura, and Laiya. Grandparents, Ernest Lee W
heeler, Sr. (Arlene) and John Henry Stukes (Emma Mae), and a host of Uncles, Aunties, and Cousins throughout the United States. *Joshua has one living grandparent, Arlene. Joshua, also known as “Stukes” attended Baker Elementary School (Acworth), Palmer Middle School (Acworth), North Cobb Christian School (Kennesaw) and North Cobb High School (Kennesaw), where he graduated with a Dual Degree: College Preparatory and Technology Career. During his mid-teen years, Stukes became active at Israel Missionary Baptist Church in addition to becoming a Junior Deacon. Stukes’ undergraduate focus was on Criminal Justice with an emphasis on serving the public interest through awareness and education. Majoring in Criminal Justice, he was one more semester away from completing his Associates Degree from Coahoma Community College (Clarksdale, MS). Upon returning to Georgia in August 2014, Stukes was blessed to return to work with a previously held summer internship with the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management. At the age of 23, Stukes had been living on his own in Atlanta, as a hardworking, well-respected, single gentleman in his own house with his beloved puppy, Smokey. Stukes was recruited to start the process to become a City of Atlanta Fire Fighter. Stukes desire to serve was deeply rooted in his upbringing and he gave back to others and the community at-large unselfishly as he volunteered hundreds of hours without hesitation. Stukes was brought up giving back to the community. He served hundreds of hours in the community without hesitation. His volunteer efforts included:
• August 2008-Current: Men of Distinction-Atlanta, LLC
• Annual School Supply Drives for less fortunate children
• Annual Christmas Toy Drives and distribution of the toys
• Pickup and delivered of pizza donated by Pizza Hut to low-income communities
• Youth Development: Communications with youth about education, challenges in life and removing obstacles in order to succeed
2015: City of Atlanta Fire & Rescue, coordination and delivery of Thanksgiving Baskets
2013-2015: Distinguished Gentlemen Es**rt, Women of Distinction, Inc.’s Annual Empowerment Luncheon
2011: MUST Ministries (Marietta, GA), worked directly with the homeless to distribute clothing and serve meals
Stukes always had time for his family, friends and loving girlfriend of nearly three years, Rashondra; but they all knew his love was the game of basketball and traveling. Often times when someone would ask Stukes, “How are you doing?” his response would be: “I’m living life to the fullest!”
