Marilyn Stokes

MARILYN RAPP STOKES
October 1, 1923 - September 23, 2015

A Celebration of Life
Marilyn Rapp Stokes, affectionately, known as Mimi, 91, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully in her residence, September 23, 2015. Marilyn was born in Morton, Illinois, October 1, 1923 to Joseph D. and Sarah B. Rapp. The family invites you to join them in the celebration of Marilyn's life on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home, 2811 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL 32806. Visitation is at 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM and the service begins at 6:00 PM with reception to follow. Online condolences can be shared at careyhandcolonialchapel.com.

Marilyn grew up in Homewood, IL, graduated from high school and received her AA degree from Thornton Junior College in 1942. In her school years Marilyn was active in gymnastics and politics; she was selected as the delegate from her high school for Girls State. Her gymnastics necessitated her staying in shape and the Homewood swimming pool was the popular venue for exercise. Not only was it popular for exercise, but it became the locale for the budding romance of the century. On December 29, 1942, Marilyn married the love of her life, Louis S. Stokes. She then began her life as a military wife with the late Louis S. Stokes, USAF (Ret.), traveling the world with her family, learning new cultures, and establishing family traditions that are still loved and honored today.

In 1943, Cindy, their first-born daughter, arrived in Harvey, Illinois. Shortly thereafter, Lou returned from WWII and packed up his still-new bride and daughter and moved to several Florida bases with Mimi making a gracious home in small military quarters; since red was one of her favorite colors, it always appeared in the interior decorations.

While stationed in Ft. Walton, FL, their only son, Mark Louis, 1948, was born. Five years later in 1953, while stationed in Falls Church, VA, a second daughter, Susan Sara, was born. In 1955-1958, Colonel Louis Stokes was Assistant Commander of the United States Mission to Haiti and the family of five sailed to Port-au-Prince, all of them becoming seasick for the entire voyage. But surprise, surprise, Marilyn and Lou, overcome by the serene beauty and ambience of the island, in 1956 produced fraternal twin girls, Patricia Jo and Kathleen Ann, born at Ramey Air Force Base in nearby Puerto Rico. Soon they all assimilated with the kind and wonderful Haitians, and Marilyn enjoyed life on the island: swimming, golfing, perfecting her sewing and becoming an avid member of the Colony Club Book Club. She especially loved tackling the task of a family visit to the Cap Haitien beaches and loved the spectacular Haitian sunsets.


Once again, Marilyn packed up all her possessions, and in 1958 followed her husband back to the United States and Kent, Ohio. While Lou was teaching at Kent State University, and her children in school or toddling around the house, Mimi added a second color to her favorites, turquoise. Once again, interior decorating began and the white house with turquoise shutters and door welcomed new friends from the quaint subdivision. One could even see that bright color over the high mounds of snow each year.

In 1960 Mimi and her family enjoyed four years in Montgomery, AL and then in 1964, she and the entire family boarded a Pan American flight to Rabat, Morocco, and by necessity, revisited her ability to speak the French she learned in Haiti. Colonel Stokes served as Air Attache on a diplomatic assignment at the United States Embassy in Rabat, Morocco. Their new Moroccan home was tiled in brown, cream, yellow, and turquoise blue! Mimi created an enchanting home, mingling Moroccan and American cultures, and entertaining the local dignitaries with American food along with delicacies of Morocco. While in Morocco, Marilyn and Lou traveled extensively throughout the mideast and many countries in Europe; Mimi was especially impressed with the beauty and vastness of the Sahara Desert.

After departing Morocco, the family of seven found themselves at Langley Air Force Base, VA. In 1970, Lou retired from the Air Force and relocated to Orlando , FL. Creating a home that reflected their life of travel and love, Mimi discovered a new decorating color, lavender, perhaps reminding herself of the fields in Southern France.

Influenced by her life of extensive travel to distant lands, Marilyn became the Cordon Bleu Chef, cooking and creating the traditional meals of countries visited. The family enjoyed together Mexican night, clay pots of Moroccan tajine and Haitian chicken and Jon Jon!!! Other traditions include the trips to Washington , DC to visit Louis S. Stokes' gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery, the summer vacations at Cedar Key, gingerbread parties and strawberries, and the numerous jaunts to Brooksville for the perfect Christmas ornament. One of the favorite celebrations was to create wonderful birthday parties for Marilyn. This October 1, the date of her birth, is another of the celebrations of her life.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Cindy Capehart (Bill) Daytona Beach; son Mark Stokes ( Marsha) Orlando; daughter Sue Clary, Orlando; daughter Penny Stokes, Orlando; daughter Kathy Bogan (Bruce) Orlando. Grandchildren, Scott Capehart (Shannon) Alexandria, LA; KP Capehart (Monica) Sanford; Amanda Ferguson (Brian) Orlando; Todd Clary (Lindsey) Orlando; Tara Register, Orlando; Brittney Bogan, Orlando; Rachel Bogan, Orlando; Delanee Bogan, Orlando. Great-grandchildren, Kaley, Gavin and Mackenzie Capehart, Mila Capehart, Colton Register, Liam and Olivia Ferguson.

Visitation

Visitation

Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home
2811 Curry Ford Road
Orlando, FL  32806
Thursday, October 1, 2015
5pm to 6pm

Service

Celebration of Life

Carey Hand Colonial Chapel
2811 Curry Ford Road
Orlado, FL  32806
Thursday, October 1, 2015
6pm