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Rosemary Stokes Obituary
HOWELL, passed away June 8, 2012 after a brief illness. She is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 64 years, James Gulledge Stokes, her children, Sunny Stokes McCoy, Mary Rose Stokes and William James Stokes, six grandchildren and two great grand children. She was predeceased by her parents William Edgar and Rose Boyd Howell, her brother John Rushing Howell and her dear friend Nellie Simmons. Rosemary was born on June 3, 1926 in Durant, MS where she became an accomplished pianist and organist, playing for the United Methodist Church of Durant. She graduated from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS in 1947 with degrees in History and English After graduating from college she moved to Atlanta, GA to work as a stewardess with Delta Air Lines. In 1948, she married Jim and they lived in Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA before settling in Orlando, FL in 1954 to raise their family. Rosemary was an avid tennis and competitive bridge player. When her children grew up she went back to get a graduate degree in education and began working in Orange County Public schools as a teacher and program director of the hearing and vision impaired program where she made a difference in many lives. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 15 at 11:00 in the morning at the First United Methodist Church in Orlando followed by a reception. The family wishes to recognize the kind and professional care she received in the critical care unit of the Neuroscience Institute at Florida Hospital and at Hospice of the Comforter. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, FL 32803-1537 in
Rosemary's name.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rosemary Stokes
Kathy Sciortino
July 17, 2012
I was so lucky to have Rosemary as my first supervisor when I came to work for OCPS in 1991. Every Monday on voice mail she would have a greeting that made each one of us feel valued and appreciated.
sarah sprinkel
June 18, 2012
Rosemary always had a pretty smile and kind word for everyone. She made a difference in many lives and was a credit to her family and educators everywhere. Sarah Sprinkel
Shirley Jones
June 15, 2012
I am sorry I was not able to attend Rosemary's memorial service due to health problems. Mrs.Stokes was one of the best teachers that I had in elementary, junior high (now called Middle school) and a few months of high school. She was there when my father died, took the time to come to his funeral and took a day off to visit me when I was living at Christian Home and Bible School in Mt. Dora. I was in one of my classes when she made a surprise visit to see me. Not very many teachers like Mrs. Stokes who have gone out of her way to do things that she did. Rosemary Stokes, I thank you for all you have done and how much you cared about me and others. I look forward seeing you in heaven one day. My heart goes to the Stokes family. I know you will miss her dearly, but you will see her in heaven one day...
Laurie Jones
June 12, 2012
I was out of town when Austin gave me the shocking news. Sunny and Mary, I'm so sorry for your loss. I never met your brother but know Rosemary's children and husband meant the world to her. Please know we are praying for you during this very difficult time.
Love, Laurie and Austin
Richard Chapman
June 12, 2012
Rosemary was a true professional and leader that cared about students and teachers. She was always a lady with a smile on her face. It was my honor to have worked with her for many years. Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Jane Busbee
June 11, 2012
Rosemary was a true lady. She carried herself with dignity and pride and lead by example. She was admired by all that she worked with in Orange County.
June 11, 2012
Our deepest love and condolences to the family of Rosemary Stokes. What a gracious, loving, Christian lady she was! We will always remember her sparkling eyes, beautiful smiles, and her lovely southern accent! We so enjoyed our visit with her this past November at the 60th Anniversary party of her dear friends, Stella and Pen Gaines. How gracious and fun she was that day!! Jim, Sunny, Mary, Jimmy and all of the extended family, you will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days to come. She will be deeply missed. We count it a true privilege to have known Rosemary. With much love, Rick and Marilyn Rush Blythe
June 11, 2012
My condolences to the Stokes family on the loss of Rosemary. I had the pleasure of working with her at OCPS as one of her Vision Teachers. She was professional and really cared about our students. I always admired her for being such a gracious and beautiful lady. She will be sorely missed.
Sincerely,
Patricia C. Brown
Candy Jackson
June 11, 2012
My sincere sympathy in the loss of your Mother, RoseMary. May God continue to give you strength during this very difficult time.
June 10, 2012
Although I only knew Rosemary for a short period of time she was such a caring and loving person. Her family has become very special to me and I pray for strength for Sunny, Mary and Jim.
Ann McKellar Borling
June 10, 2012
My sympathy to Mary and the rest of the family. I know we all will have an unbelievable reunion in heaven.
June 10, 2012
Tom and I send our love and deepest sympathy to the Stokes family in the loss of Rosemary. I had a lovely visit with her at the Millenia Mall not more than 6 weeks ago.She and her daughter were having a day out together. She was a darling,sweet lady. We know you will miss her. Love, Cairn & Tom Ustler
sherry krawczyk
June 10, 2012
Rosemary was the epitome of a lady in every way. So beautiful, so kind and gentle. She will truly be missed by so many. With heartfelt sympathy, Sherry Krawczyk
Barbara Phillips
June 10, 2012
With our very deepest sympathy. We are out of town, but send love and prayers. David and Barbara (DiDea) Phillips
Tony Mier
June 10, 2012
Very nice lady and a very nice family we grew up with in Rowena Park Orlando. I'm sure we will see here again very soon in Heaven. My condolences to the family and close friends who will miss her until then.
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