Mrs. Cynthia Terry Stokes

COLUMBIA - Cynthia Terry Stokes, 59, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2016, after a lengthy 12½ year, courageous battle with breast cancer. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 14, 2016, at Shandon Baptist Church, conducted by Dr. Dick Lincoln, Rev. Barry Gray, and Rev. Jerry Long. Visitation will be held from 12-2 p.m., prior to the service in the church’s Gathering Place. A private burial will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park Serenity Garden. Born November 28, 1956, in Columbia, SC to the late Harold J. Terry and Miriam W. Terry, Cindy was the wife of the love of her life, her husband of almost 36 years, J. Wesley Stokes, Jr. She was a graduate of Columbia College and a SC licensed social worker, who was employed at the Lowman Home in White Rock, SC and the Easter Seal Society of SC. Cindy will always be remembered for her warm, engaging smile, and her passionate service for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a life-long member of Shandon Baptist Church, she faithfully served as a soloist with the worship choir, children’s Sunday School teacher and choir director, Training Union teacher, and 25 years as an active member of the Singing Christmas Tree performances. With her beautiful, angelic voice she sang praises to her Lord. Her unwavering faith allowed her to truly lead a Christ-honoring, spirit-filled life that reflected Jesus’ love. Always ministering to others to make sure everyone she came in contact with knew of her unconditional love for her Savior, and that they, too, could have the assurance of everlasting life if they would personally accept Jesus Christ as their Savior! Confidently, she persevered always encouraging others, and she was an inspiration to many to never give up the fight knowing that she would find healing and victory in Jesus Christ! Her abiding love for God allowed her to trust Him to always be in control. Finding daily strength to endure by joyfully and gracefully, accepting God’s mercy, comfort, and His will for her life. She was a dedicated prayer warrior who fervently prayed for her family, friends, and anyone with a need. Cindy was a devoted wife, remarkable mother, and a beloved friend. She was a true “Proverbs 31:10-31” woman, who was blessed and who blessed the lives of everyone she touched. Cindy was a wise and exemplary role model who left a legacy of service and faithfulness. She will be greatly missed! Besides her loving husband, Wes, Cindy is survived by her precious daughter, Heather Terry; her sister, Jeannie Gleaton (Sam); sister-in-law, Cathy Wadford (Tommy); brother-in-law, Wayne Stokes (Susan); a niece, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to thank the many friends and health care professionals, Drs. Mary Ackerman, Gretchen Byars, and the staff at SCOA, Palmetto Health Baptist, Richland, and Hospice, Dr. Erika Hamilton and the staff at Sarah Cannon Research Institute at Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN for their loving, personal and compassionate care. The many acts of kindness, unwavering support and the constant faithful prayers have and will continue to sustain and comfort us. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shandon Baptist Church, Singing Christmas Tree, 5250 Forest Drive Columbia, SC 29206; SCOA Cares, ATTN: Meredith Anderson, 166 Stoneridge Dr., Columbia, SC 29210; or Sarah Cannon, Research Institute at Tennessee Oncology, Pearlpoint Cancer Support, 2817 West End Ave. #126-263 Nashville, TN 37203-1453 or (http://pearlpoint.org/donate).