Obituaries, May 4, 2025

Written on 05/04/2025


Janette Marie Bagwell, L. Corrine Pickering, Sandra Louise Powers, Linda Carol Meyers Nelson, James Baine "Jim" Stokesberry

Janette Marie Bagwell

Janette Marie Bagwell, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born April 11 in Kansas City, Missouri, Janette was the daughter of Emmett Emerson and Francis Johnson. Her life was marked by deep faith, unwavering love, and a generous spirit.

On January 31, 1970, Janette married the love of her life, Lester Bagwell. Their marriage, filled with steadfast love and mutual devotion, spanned 55 years and served as a lasting example of partnership and commitment. Together, they raised four children and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and strong family values.

Janette worked at General Motors for 30 years, balancing work while being a nurturing presence in lives of many near and far. Beyond supporting her immediate family, she also made time for her extended family, friends, and community.

A woman of deep faith, Janette was an active member of Crossroads Community Church, where she and Lester participated in the church’s longest-standing adult small group. She found great joy in fellowship and spiritual growth and poured her heart into her church community.

Janette also deeply loved spending time with her extended family and friends. Whether it was a holiday gathering, a church function, or a quiet afternoon visit, she brought warmth and joy to every occasion. Her family, extended family, and dear friends will miss her kindness, her laughter, and her generous heart.

She is survived by her beloved husband Lester Bagwell, her brother Mike Johnson, and her children Dawn Bagwell, Brent Bagwell (Kelly Inlow), Kelly Holshoe (Eric Holshoe), and Lester Bagwell Jr. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Franny Valour, Theo Valour, Christian Bagwell (Adrian Scott), Victoria Bagwell, Riley Bagwell, Maya Holshoe, Maddie Holshoe, and Brooklyn Bagwell, as well as her treasured great-grandchildren Beckham and Sabrina Bagwell.

Janette's legacy is one of love, service, and faith. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Crossroads Community Church, 4254 S. 00 EW, Kokomo, with Pastor Jeff Harlow officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.



L. Corrine Pickering

L. Corrine Pickering, age 98, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born on November 25, 1926, to Earl and Evelyn (Crosley) Brown, Corrine lived a life rooted in service, friendship, and family.

A 1944 graduate of Kokomo High School, Corrine stayed connected to her classmates for decades, forming the close-knit “44 Club,” which met regularly until around 2019. Her devotion to friendship and community remained a constant throughout her life.

Corrine retired from Delco Electronics after 30 years of dedicated service, but retirement never slowed her down. She was an active member of ConneXion Church, where she volunteered in the church office and helped with the newsletter well into her early 90s. She was also involved in the Kokomo Kiwanis Club, faithfully attending Monday meetings and assisting with their fundraising events.

A vibrant part of her community, Corrine found joy in playing cards with her friends as a member of the Golden Agers. Her generous spirit extended to many local organizations. She volunteered with Cross of America, the Kokomo Rescue Mission (where she helped wrap gifts during the holidays), and the Kokomo community garden.

Above all, Corrine cherished her family. After retiring, she spent countless days with her grandson Adam, taking him on outings and sharing her time and love. Later, her great-grandchildren Mason and Haley became the greatest joy of her life.

Corrine is survived by her loving son Michael Pickering (Shirley), her grandson Adam Pickering (Katie), and great-grandchildren Mason Pickering and Haley Pickering. She was preceded in death by her daughter Patricia “Patty” Cavaness, her grandson Justin Pickering, her parents, and her three brothers Dr. Earl Brown, John Brown, and Dr. William Brown.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Waterford Health Campus Assisted Living and Long-Term Care for their exceptional care and compassion. Special thanks also go to Paradigm Hospice, especially nurse Chrissie, for the kindness and support shown to Corrine and her family during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Corrine’s memory to Samaritan Caregivers of Kokomo at www.samaritancaregivers.org.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m., with interment at Sunset Memory Garden, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana.



Sandra Louise Powers

Sandra Louise Powers, 77, passed away at 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Jefferson Manor in Kokomo. She was born on January 6, 1948, in Heber Springs, Arkansas, daughter of the late Harold L. and Barbara L. (Mahaney) Hackett. In November of 2001, she married Anthony R. Powers in Tennessee, and he preceded her in death August 5, 2020.

Sandra was a graduate of Haworth High School. She worked in production at General Motors for 30 years. Sandra enjoyed fishing, boating, crocheting, reading, and playing cards. She enjoyed karaoke and interior design. She was a hostess for her friends and family. Sandra loved spending time with her grandkids and building their cabin with her husband in Arkansas.

She is survived by her children Kelly Rawls, Shannon Morgan, and Sloane (Jerry) Riddle, brother Charles (Amabelle) Hackett, grandchildren Ashley Eller, Brittany Morgan, Gary (Ashley) Rawls, Koven (Maggie) Riddle, Zoie Riddle, Jaycee Carter, and Jayden Morgan, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Along with her husband Anthony, Sandra was preceded in death by her parents and great-granddaughter Rory Leeann Eller.

The family would like to thank the staff of Jefferson Manor for the love, kindness, and care that they showed Sandra during her time with them.

A funeral service celebrating Sandra’s life will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd. A link will be available at the bottom of Sandra’s obituary to view the funeral livestream at 4 p.m. on Thursday and 90 days after the service. Burial will take place May 15, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Settlement Cemetery in Shirley, Arkansas. Friends are invited to visit with the family at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kokomo VFW, 920 N Washington St, Kokomo, IN 46901. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Linda Carol Meyers Nelson

Linda Carol Meyers Nelson, 73, of Kokomo, passed away at 2:03 p.m., April 29, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Hospital in Kokomo. She was born on August 6, 1951, daughter of the late Fate and Dorothy (Andrews) Meyers. On February 14, 1998, she married Jerrold Leroy Nelson Sr. at the Nevada Church of God, who preceded her in death on July 29, 2008.

Linda was a laborer at Chrysler, substitute teacher, cashier at Speedway, and worked road construction in Florida. She also winterized homes. She enjoyed woodworking. She was very creative with crafts and could make just about anything. She liked playing cards. Linda was always joyful and attended Abundant Life Church. She led children’s church and was a Sunday school teacher. Linda also helped with bus ministry and sang very loudly in the choir.

She is survived by her son Robert (Sue) Youngman, grandchildren Katerina Youngman, Nathan Youngman, Braxton Graves, Madison Youngman, Elizebeth Youngman, and Rebecca Youngman, great-grandchildren Marie Youngman and Rain Graves, stepchildren Charity Powers, Jerry Nelson, and Joey Nelson, and siblings Steven (Dottie) Meyers, Dale Meyers, Phillip Meyers, Von Meyers, Jon (Debra) Meyers, Randall Meyers, and Brenda (Bill) Brown.

Along with her husband Leroy, she was preceded in death by her parents, children William “Jr.” Roberson and Michelle Justice, stepson Cory Nelson, and sister Damita “Lois” McCloskey.

A memorial service celebrating Linda’s life will be held on Friday May 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Abundant Life Church, 865 E, CR 400 S, Kokomo, IN 46902. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Abundant Life Church. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.



James Baine "Jim" Stokesberry

James Baine "Jim" Stokesberry, 85, Kokomo, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 2:20 p.m. Born October 10, 1939, in Chillicothe, Ohio, Jim was the son of the late James J. and Florence Bell (Ewing) Stokesberry. On March 2, 1968, Jim married Marilyn Bowman in Muncie, Indiana. Together they built a life filled with shared interests and family.

He graduated from Frankfort High School in 1957 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business management from Ball State University in 1968. From 1960 to 1962, Jim proudly served in the United States Air Force as a cartographer. He was a member of the American Legion and maintained a lifelong interest in military history. He especially enjoyed discussing historical conflicts and studying war history.

Jim found joy in simple pleasures: fishing, listening to jazz music, and had a love for animals. While living in Florida, he developed a unique hobby of hunting for apple snail shells along the water’s edge.

Along with his beloved wife Marilyn, Jim is also survived by his children Tom Stokesberry, Dr. Annie Stokesberry, and Maria (Jay) Byars, grandchildren Joseph (Ann) Cooney, Julie Byars, and Jacqueline Carter, and great-grandchildren Hunter Cooney, Izabel Cooney, and Elanor Carter.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jane Kelderman.

In accordance with Jim’s wishes, no services will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made in Jim's memory to Coordinated Assistance Ministries (C.A.M.), 625 N. Union Street, Kokomo, IN 46901.