Marilyn Stokley

Marilyn Mills Stokley, of Winnsboro, age 66, passed peacefully from this life, surrounded by family, on Monday, December 14, 2009, in Longview, TX, after a long, courageous battle with emphysema/COPD. She was born on September 14, 1943, in Winnsboro, TX, Wood County, to Albin Mills and Ethel Mozelle Messimer.

Survivors include her three daughters: Susanne White, Gilmer; Laura Stokley, Grand Saline; and Sara (Rickey) Thompson, Winnsboro; and nine grandchildren. Other survivors include four sisters: Linda (Bill) Roycroft, Longview; Diane (Bruce) Weatherford, Duncanville; Ruth (Tom) Hammond Henry, Mineola; and, Sherry (Larry) Finney, Winnsboro. She is also survived by one aunt, Geneva Kennemer, Winnsboro; one uncle, Kyle Messimer, Grapeland; and, one special friend, Claudia Fitzgerald, Winnsboro; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other friends. Her parents and the father of her children, Roy Bill Stokley, preceded her in death.

Marilyn was a 1961 graduate of Winnsboro High School and earned an associate's degree in Business Administration from Tyler Junior College in 1963. Early job experiences included working as a lab technician at Stewart Blood Bank in Tyler; as a legal secretary with local attorneys in Winnsboro; as an escrow officer and abstractor with a local title company; and, as a bank secretary at First National Bank in Winnsboro. She worked in several positions throughout the years with the City of Winnsboro, culminating as Chief Water Plant Operator. She last worked as General Manager of Sharon Water Supply until retiring at the onset of her illness in May 2003.

Throughout Marilyn's life, she was a former member of several local, state, and national water utility associations. She was a member of Forest Grove Methodist Church, having served as laity leader and speaker, pianist, and Sunday School teacher. She served two terms as president of the Winnsboro PTA and twenty-five years as a director and secretary/treasurer of the Shady Grove Cemetery Association.

Marilyn was very talented and artistic. During her early years, she enjoyed painting, needlework, cake decorating, sewing, and any number of craft projects as well as studying local and family history. After her health deteriorated and she became homebound, her interests were concentrated entirely on genealogy, and she spent many hours researching on her computer. Family traditions and heritage were very important to her. Marilyn loved life and having a good time with family and friends. Her children and grandchildren called her "Granny," and she loved every precious moment she had with them and loved them unconditionally.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Beaty Funeral Home, Winnsboro, where

visitation will be held on Wednesday evening, December 16, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 17, at 2:00 p.m. in the Beaty Funeral Home Chapel, Winnsboro. Burial will be in Shady Grove Cemetery, Wood County, immediately following the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shady Grove Cemetery Association; P.O. Box 861; Winnsboro, TX 75494.

Marilyn's favorite quote was: "Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away." She lived her life accordingly.