Myrus R. Stokes
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Myrus
R. Stokes died in his home in Marianna on January 20.
He devoted his life to the service of others. He
fought for our country in World War II. When he
returned he began his service to the community with other 35
years in education as a teacher, coach and principal, or as
he often said, "a true school man." He was very
devoted to the First United Methodist Church where no job
was too big or too small for him, whether weeding the flower
beds, teaching a Sunday school class, or chairing a
committee. His commitment to the community didn't stop
when he retired from education in 1986 as he continued
mentoring young people through Habitat for Humanity and
other endeavors as well. He never knew a stranger as
he would always introduce himself and ask how they were
doing and simply offer a listening ear that was truly
heartfelt.
M.R. was preceded in death by his wife Willa Dean.
He is survived by his son, Michael and wife Shauna; two
daughters: Jacque Stokes-Taylor and husband Joe, and Patti
Stokes-Schuttlesworth and husband Bob; grandchildren: Rhea
and Jeptha Stokes, Blair and JoJo Taylor, and Carly and Will
Schuttlesworth; and one great-grandchild, Isaac Stokes.
He is also survived by his sister, Mae Nell Smith; brother,
Charles Stokes; a special friend, Ann Harrison;
brothers-in-law: Edsel Smith, Lamond Hughes and James
Hughes; sisters-in-law: Sue Stokes, Sue Hughes, Ann Hughes,
Sylvia Hughes; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday,
January 23, at the First United Methodist Church of Marianna
with Dr. Bob McKibben officiating. Burial will follow
in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with full military honors by
Sneads American Legion Post 241 with James & Sikes Funeral
Home Maddox Chapel directing.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday,
January 22, at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may
be made to the First United Methodist Church, 2901 Caledonia
Street, Marianna, FL 32446.