Mrs. Catherine Karima Perry Stokes, 56, of Corbin, passed away Saturday afternoon, May 30, 2026 at the Continue Care Hospital in Corbin. She was born February 2, 1970 in Cairo, Egypt, the daughter Professor Glenn Perry Sr. and the late Eleanor Rose Hypes Perry.
Catherine was a medical practice administrator with Kentucky Family Medicine and a devoted member of Grace Community Fellowship Church, where she faithfully served in children’s ministry as a Sunday school teacher. She also dedicated herself to helping others through Celebrate Recovery. In addition, Catherine served on the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, was a longtime board member of the Corbin Public Library, and was a member of Rosae Crucis.
Catherine loved spending time outdoors, whether hiking, gardening, mowing, or caring for her family farm. A lifelong learner, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Studies and later a degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University. She also completed two semesters at Asbury Theological Seminary, where she deepened her faith and devotion to God.
A devoted mother to her two daughters, Catherine encouraged their love of the arts and sciences and instilled in them perseverance, compassion, and a commitment to doing good. Her love and generosity extended far beyond her family, as she opened her heart and home to countless children and adults in the community, offering wisdom, encouragement, and refuge when needed.
Catherine was instrumental in the establishment and success of her husband’s medical practice, Kentucky Family Medicine. Even while courageously battling cancer, she remained committed to serving others, providing both spiritual encouragement and compassionate care. Exceptionally selfless yet steadfast in her convictions, she was truly a woman of strength, integrity, and valor.
Catherine delighted in life’s simple joys—the color purple, her beloved animals, and riding her bicycle, rain or shine.
On November 5, 2017, she united in marriage with Todd Stokes Sr. in East Bernstadt.
In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by a son, Damian Ashton Dean; a brother, Phillip Alexander Perry and grandparents, Tollie and Pearl Taylor Perry and Ralph and Nettie Duncan Hypes.
Survivors include her loving husband, Dr. Christopher Todd Stokes Sr. of Corbin; her father, Prof. Glenn Earl Perry Sr. of Terre Haute, IN; two cherished daughters, Dakota Adrian Dean and Calista Rose Dean both of Corbin; sisters, Barbara and Lucy Perry; a brother, Glenn Perry Jr.; David Dean; among other family and countless friends who will miss her deeply.
A graveside service will be conducted in the Taylor Cemetery Wednesday, June 3 at 12 Noon with Rev. Josh Smith officiating.
Casket bearers will be family and friends.
Family and friends will gather at the funeral home Wednesday at 11 A.M. and travel in procession to the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ALK+ Positive Cancer Research Fund in her memory at https://alkpositive.org/ways-to-give.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of CATHERINE KARIMA PERRY STOKES.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
