M. R. Stokes

James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel 4278 Lafayette Street Marianna, Florida 32446 850.482.2332 858.526.4143 fax Myrus R. Stokes died in his home in Marianna, Florida on January 20, 2010. 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 over 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 neither 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, Blaire and JoJo Taylor, and Carly and Will Schuttlesworth; 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, and sisters-in-law Sue Stokes, Sue Hughes, Ann Hughes, Sylvia Hughes, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 23, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church of Marianna, with Dr. Bob McKibben officiating. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with full military honors given by Sneads American Legion Post 241, James and Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 22, at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made the First United Methodist Church, 2901 Caledonia Street, Marianna, FL. 32446. www.jamesandsikesfuneralhomes.com