D. Stokes Obituary

The Honorable D. Mark Stokes (Retired) AIKEN, SC - On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, D. Mark Stokes peacefully left this life to meet his Savior. A native of Hanahan, SC, Mark was a devoted Christian, husband, father, and friend. A graduate of Hanahan schools, Mark participated in many sports for the Hawks, eventually falling in love with the game of baseball and becoming a lifelong Baltimore Orioles fan. His love of baseball eventually awarded him the opportunity to contribute to the Hanahan Recreation Department, where he coached over two dozen teams for both baseball and basketball. Mark was heavily involved in city and county government, serving for the city of Hanahan as a councilman and municipal judge, as well as a county judge, Master-in-Equity, and county magistrate for Berkeley County. He was proud to practice law in Hanahan for over thirty years, giving back to the community that shaped him. In addition to helping those around him, Mark also had a love for all animals - especially cats - and will be missed dearly by his most recent feline companion, Zeke. Anyone who knew Mark was often subject to his enthusiasm for music, the game of golf, American history, and anything involving Elvis Presley. Holding season tickets to Clemson football for nearly two decades, his passion for Tiger football can still be felt during tailgates near Lake Hartwell. Throughout his life, Mark fell in love with the Great Smoky Mountains, often planning family trips to Dollywood and Ghost Town in the Sky. He was a member of North Charleston United Methodist Church, and loved any and all southern gospel music. Mark was loved and will be missed by all. He was the beloved husband to Mrs. Cynthia "Cindy" Woodward Stokes of Aiken, SC, and the son to the late Mr. Doyle Maurice Stokes and the late Mrs. May Mott Stokes. Additional survivors include: two sons, Jared Stokes, Roswell, GA, and Caleb (Lyda) Stokes, Oxford, MS; three sisters, Ann Stokes (Scott) Terman, Jefferson, GA, Karen Stokes Woodbury, Eutawville, SC, and Cheryl Stokes (Bill) Reynolds, Anderson, SC; one sister-in-law, Pam Woodward (Alton Smith), Aiken, SC; one grandson, Rowan Stokes; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mr. Stokes was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, David Woodbury. A celebration of life will take place at the chapel of Carolina Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens (7113 Rivers Ave. North Charleston, SC) on Sunday October 1, 2023. The visitation with the family will be taking place from 2-4pm, with a service celebrating Mark's life directly following at 4pm. (https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/south-carolina/north-charleston/carolina-funeral-home/9887). The family has expressed that anyone who would like to wear Clemson Tiger or Hanahan Hawk attire should feel free to do so. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Hanahan Athletic Booster Club through membership support at www.hanahanathleticboosterclub.com. COLE FUNERAL HOME 1544 UNIVERSITY PKWY (118 BY PASS) AIKEN, SC 29801 803-648-7175. Please sign the online registry at www.colefuneralhomeinc.net.