Lynda Stokes

Lynda Kaye Bodine Stokes was born January 25, 1947, in Mitchell County near Colorado City, Texas, and passed away October 17, 2025, after courageously battling Parkinson's disease. A graveside service and burial will be held Saturday, November 1 at 10:00 AM at Salado Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM at Grace Presbyterian Church in Temple.

Lynda's parents, Homer (Pete) and Florence Stoetlje Bodine, lived in the Buford community, where Lynda first attended school. She transferred to Colorado City Schools when her mother, a native of Rosebud, Texas, began teaching there. Lynda graduated as salutatorian of her high school class and went on to Lamar University in Beaumont, where she majored in Home Economics and graduated with honors in 1969. A member of Zeta Tau Alpha, her junior year brought an unexpected gift: a blind date with a student who had just transferred from Texas A&M. That young man was Bill Stokes, and as they say, the rest is history.

Lynda and Bill married on June 14, 1969, at First Methodist Church of Colorado City. After a one-night honeymoon at the Sweetwater Holiday Inn, they settled into an un-air-conditioned garage apartment in Beaumont. Bill began his banking career on Monday, and Lynda launched her teaching career in home economics two months later. With two incomes, they upgraded to a tiny, air-conditioned, efficiency apartment—the first of many milestones to come.

The next decade brought significant changes: a nice apartment, then their first house in 1973. When Beaumont schools integrated, Lynda transferred to an all-black high school, exemplifying her commitment to education for all students. In 1974, their son Brian William was born, and Lynda became a stay-at-home mother. Two years later, Bill accepted a position at First National Bank of Temple, and Lynda found their first new house on Robin Hood, where they would live for 30 years. In 1980, their family was complete with the arrival of Kelly Lauren.

Between raising her children and managing the household, Lynda devoted countless hours to her community, including The Service League, Junior League, Temple Library, Grace Presbyterian Church, Contemporaries, Treehouse, Tamasha (where she served as chair), and the 4C's board (where she served as president). She founded the Meals on Wheels program at Grace Presbyterian Church and served as both Deacon and Elder.

In 1979, Lynda and friends organized what would become 46 years of cherished memories: the Supper Club. Six couples initially committed to monthly Sunday gatherings at 6:30 for food and fellowship. These friends became family, sharing countless life experiences—and gaining a few pounds along the way.

When both children were in school, Lynda returned to teaching, first as a long-term substitute in the home economics department. A state grant soon led to the creation of a new program in Temple ISD, and Lynda was appointed director of PREP, where she found her true calling. She served pregnant and parenting students, working tirelessly to prevent dropouts while providing parenting education, coordinating prenatal and postnatal care, establishing a licensed on-campus nursery, arranging bus transportation, and connecting families with community resources. Until her final days, former students would approach her to express gratitude for keeping them in school and changing their lives.

Lynda retired in May 2013, but a new challenge awaited. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease just one month into retirement, she tackled it with characteristic determination and organization, researching the disease and seeking the best resources. She found exceptional support from coaches Kristi Richards and Kerri Brinkolter at 413 Fitness of Georgetown, a boxing and fitness program for those with Parkinson's and movement disorders. For nine years, usually three times a week, Lynda showed up and punched harder than most of the guys—a strength that allowed her to never need canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.

Lynda is survived by her husband Bill, children Brian Stokes (Michelle) and Kelly Garcia (Andrew), grandchildren Gabriel and Maren Garcia, all of Temple; her brother Michael Bodine (Jaynell) of Sterling City; nieces Melinda Gaines (Josh) and Amanda Louder; and four great-nieces and great-nephews. Her joyful life and contributions to family, friends, faith, and community will be celebrated and remembered always.

A time of visitation will be held Wednesday, October 29, from 4:00-6:00 PM in Wendland Hall at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church Meals on Wheels or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163.