Marilyn Sue Stokes

Marilyn Sue Stokes, known fondly to friends and family as Sue, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on May 28, 1951, in the heart of Alabama, Sue's life was a tapestry woven with love, music, and the joy of family connections. She was a beacon of warmth and a testament to the enduring spirit of affection and kindness.

Sue's early years in Alabama laid the foundation for a life lived with gusto and grace. Her work as an avionics technician at Ft. Rucker was not only a testament to her skill and dedication but also to her pioneering spirit in a field that saw few women at the time. Her colleagues remember her as a spirited and gentle soul, who approached every task with diligence and a smile.

She was a woman of many passions, with a particular love for the timeless tunes of old rock and roll and country music. Her laughter often filled the room, as did her love for dance and the simple pleasures of a good song. Sue's nature was loving and affectionate—a fun-loving spirit who cherished the time spent with her beloved grandchildren, Carter and Griffin Blackburn. They, along with her devoted son Joshua Blackburn (Amanda) and Shaun King, are a testament to her boundless love and the care she poured into her family.

Sue's family was her world, and she is survived by her cherished brother, Duane Bush (Keri), and sister, Sara Bush. She was a central figure in a host of extended loving family members and her two special friends, Faye Hughes and Kay Ausborn, who felt her nurturing presence as a constant light in their lives. Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl Holder and Thomas Bush, and her brother, David Bush. The legacy of love and unity she fostered will remain a guiding force for all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In the tapestry of life, we can find threads of those who have touched our hearts with their gentle ways and loving embrace. Sue was one such thread—a woman whose spirit was loving and whose heart was an open door.

As the sun sets on a life so beautifully lived, we bid farewell to Marilyn Sue Stokes, whose memory will continue to dance in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her in return. Her spirited laughter, gentle touch, and the melody of her presence will echo through the generations as a sweet and harmonious refrain. Sue's story does not end here, for she lives on in the cherished memories we hold and in the legacy of love she leaves behind.