Shirley Louise Stewart

Shirley Louise Bonitto Stewart, born October 4, 1936, in Kingston, Jamaica, passed away naturally on September 7, 2020. She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Alfonso Francis Stewart, from Kingston, Jamaica in 2007, survived by her two children Alesia Stewart and Irwin Stewart of Clear Lake City, Texas.

Shirley’s greatest joy was her family and church life. She highly valued peace and harmony.

Raised in the Anglican church tradition, she practiced her faith throughout her life. She was an active member of St. Christopher Episcopal Church, League City, Texas for over 25 years, attending and volunteering at the St Christopher Thrift Shop.

Apart from role as a wife and a mother, Shirley was an accomplished Registered Nurse. She successfully passed University of London Entrance Exams and went on to complete her Nursing Training in Falmouth, Jamaica, graduating at the top of her class.

Subsequently, in 1962, her profession afforded her the opportunity to come to the United States, through employment as a staff nurse at Unity Hospital, Brooklyn, New York. Later, she moved to Florida and continued her work as a R.N. at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital and Palmetto General Hospital in the Miami/ Hialeah area of Florida. She attained the level of Nursing Supervisor at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas. Finally, after 22 years of service at Bayshore Hospital, Pasadena, Texas. She retired in 2002.

Her love of music and dance began at an early age. She participated in the junior choir at church. As a child, she was selected among other school children to dance before Queen Elizabeth II, during one the Queen’s visit to Jamaica. Music and the cultural arts always remained a part of her life.

She has touched many lives in a positive way. She will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered.