Marilyn Hope Love-Cody

Marilyn Hope Love-Cody, age 79, of Stafford, Virginia passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023. She is survived by her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Richard L. (Bill) Cody SR, USMC (Retired); her daughters, Cindy Love (Kevin Ward), Kelli Love Smith (David), Jodi Love (Kevin Myers), and Lori Love (Brian Wobensmith); her stepchildren, Colleen Cody Gallagher (Kevin), Richard Loyd Cody Jr. and Christina Fox; and her brother, Neil. Marilyn will also be greatly missed by her 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, with 2 on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Leona Karnes. Marilyn and Bill were married after he retired from active-duty Marine Corps on November 18, 1995, at the Quantico Marine Base Chapel. They have been happily married since. Marilyn cherished being with her family and friends more than anything in the world. She was a beautiful, fun-loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was a 'people' person. A room would light up when she walked in. She found great joy in helping all her many clients/friends, which is why she was a top producing Realtor since 1986 and loyal to Coldwell Banker Elite, since 1993. She also enjoyed Marine Corps social activities, particularly the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball, which she and her husband Bill were very much involved in hosting each year. Marilyn was also an active member of the Aquia Harbour Lions club. Marilyn loved cruise vacations when they would visit the sunny Caribbean Islands. On one occasion they cruised European waters, and on another far-off Tahiti in the Pacific Ocean. They would average about one cruise a year. Marilyn loved life itself. She lived to the fullest and never regretted anything. Her various hobbies, and she had many, were bowling in 5 leagues a week, running – she ran yearly on her birthday the minutes to equal her age, gambling, shopping and cruising with her beloved husband Cody, a name Marilyn preferred to Bill. A visitation for Marilyn will be held Monday, April 17, 2023 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, Stafford Chapel. A celebration of her life will occur Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 12:00pm at the funeral home with her interment to follow at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, Virginia 22172. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in Marilyn's name to the Aquia Harbour Lions club at https://www.aquialionscharityinc.com/ Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mullinsthompsonstafford.com for the Love-Cody family.