Solomon A. Cokes, Jr.

Solomon A. Cokes, Jr. of Estero, FL, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2023 after fighting a short and brave battle against lung cancer. Solomon was born to Solomon A. Cokes, Sr. and Ethel V. Cokes on September 26, 1937 in Philadelphia, PA. The family moved to Suffolk, VA where he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and went on to attend Norfolk State University. 

Sonny, as he was known to his family, is survived by his cherished wife and soulmate of 35 years, Pamela Rothmann; his four beloved children, Lisa Cokes, Keith Cokes (Partner Sam Ben Shalom), Sean Cokes, and Corey Cokes; two sisters, Anne Sadler and Patricia Abraham; grandchildren Zora Cokes, Zion Cokes, Béla Cokes, and Corrine Cokes; nieces Sandra Jones and her children Taylor and Ryan, and Lauren Rusnak (Tony Annone); nephews Stephen Marshall and his children Ashley, Juilian, and Grace, Alvin Abraham Jr. and his children Daisy and Hunter, Duane Sadler and his son Jabari,
Barry Sadler, Jr., Jeremy Paul (Faye Hargate), and Michael Rusnak; sisters-in-law Susan Rothmann (Philip Paul) and Beth Rusnak (Joe); loving cousins Claudia Pearson and her children Iris, Larry, and Kevin, and Michael Singleton (Denise); and “adopted child” Zita Elek and her son Ziyan. 

Sol and Pam met in Springfield, VA where they were managers for a Days Inn Hotel. Sol was transferred to Ft. Myers, FL as a Regional Manager for Horizon Hotels in 1987, where they settled into the then quiet community of Estero, FL. He became involved in the promotion of tourism in Lee County where he was a past president of the Lee County Hotel Motel Association, served many years as a member of the Lee County Tourist and Development Commission, the Florida State Hotel and Motel Association, the Florida Governor’s Commission on Tourism, the National President’s Commission on Tourism, as well as other tourism and charitable organizations. He worked with a small group of tourism associates to begin a program bringing sports tournaments to Lee County to produce additional revenue for the industry. 

A natural talent in all sports, he excelled as a quarterback in both high school and college. In his later years, he became an avid golfer who truly loved the game. 

Solomon was an active member of the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ since 1988.

Sol was predeceased by his grandparents Carrie and Henry Evans; his parents Solomon Sr. and Ethel Cokes, and beloved brother James Cokes. 

When he met a stranger, they came away as friends.  His favorite saying was, “this life is all about family and friends.”  He lived this motto, keeping family and friends close. Descriptions of him include a gentleman, a loving man, helpful, an infectious smile, a good heart, a sense of humor, a beautiful spirit, and a great friend.

A memorial service celebrating Solomon’s life will be held at Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957 on November 18, 2023 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ or the charity of your choice.