Stephanie Ann Stokes
Stephanie Ann Stokes, 24, of Andrews passed away on June 16, 2022 in Midland, TX.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate her life at 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at the Andrews High School Performance Center with Rev. Kevin Bushart and Rev. Rick Doyle officiating. Interment will follow in the Andrews North Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of McNett Funeral Home.
Stephanie Ann Stokes was born December 7, 1997, in Albuquerque, NM to Melissa Ann and Carl Lee Stokes.
Stephanie was an amazing young lady who never met a stranger and was kind to everyone. Her beautiful smile drew people in and they loved being around her. Stephanie was able to light up a room with her presences. Her walk with God was steadfast and serves as a model for us all. She was a life-long member of Means Memorial United Methodist Church in Andrews.
Stephanie’s willingness to try new things from cross country, to cheerleading, to running for an office, and to rodeoing, allowed her to be successful in all she did. She was everyone’s biggest fan. She celebrated when anyone succeeded and had an incredible way of comforting people in times of need. Content to simply be part of the group or activity, Stephanie always made everyone feel welcome and good about themselves. There was no lack of love for her horse, Tokyo, turquoise jewelry, and especially her family and fiancé Cooper O’Brien. Sweet notes and little gifts for her momma to show her love are just a few of the things that will be treasured the most. Stephanie was immensely proud to see her brother pursue his passion for livestock as he built his herd and started his own business, Stokes Livestock.
Stephanie’s love for the agriculture industry began at an early age. She began showing goats and soon added sheep and cattle. She showed at all the major shows in Texas for many years and made countless friends across the state. She was recognized on a local and state level for her many accomplishments as a member and a leader in 4-H, FFA, at Andrews High School, and within her community. She proudly served on the Texas 4-H State Council and also as a Texas FFA state ambassador as well as a Texas Livestock ambassador. That love continued as she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. Stephanie was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and also served as the president of Panhellenic.
While in Canyon, God led her to work at Oliver Saddle Shop where she quickly became part of the family, and they welcomed her and supported her thru the difficult first years of losing her dad. Stephanie did her student teaching in Klondike, Texas which ironically was the school that her future fiancé attended and from which he graduated. After graduating from WT in December of 2020, Stephanie took a job teaching in Andrews as an Agricultural Science teacher. This position included introducing middle school students to agriculture science and teaching floral design at the high school as well as other responsibilities. The high school position introduced her to a new passion. Stephanie attended classes and spent time learning about the floral industry. She was so excited to pass this on to her first year floral design students. Her time in the classroom touched many lives as she supported and encouraged students to try something new or to develop a love of involvement that she herself had enjoyed as a youngster beginning her journey in to the agriculture world. Stephanie had many experiences this first year that she said helped her grow in so many ways, but after considerable prayer Stephanie felt called to start pursing her master’s degree in agriculture in the fall.
While attending WTAMU, Stephanie met Cooper O’Brien, a cottonfarmer from Patricia. It was definitely a match made in heaven; they soon became inseparable and a perfect pair. The love between Stephanie and Cooper was strong and evident to all those around them.
Cooper planned and achieved a surprise engagement on June 5, 2021 and their dream wedding was set for July 1, 2022.
She was preceded in death by her father, Lee Stokes, twin brother, Jordan Lee Stokes, grandparents, Jerry Long and N.B and Ioma Stokes.
Stephanie is survived by her mother, Ann Stokes of Andrews, Texas, brother Tanner Stokes of San Angelo, Texas, sister Apryl Kennemer of Joshua, Texas, grandmother, Helen Long of Andrews, Texas, fiancé, Cooper O’Brien of Patricia, Texas and aunt, Sue Hawkins of Hart, Texas.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Stephanie Stokes Memorial Livestock Scholarship Fund. ACJLA, PO Box 103, Andrews, Texas 79714
