Sylvia Barbour Stewart

Sylvia was born on August 19th, 1938 in Four Oaks, NC.  She was the only daughter of Ira and Evelyn Barbour.  She grew up mostly in Erwin with her mom but lived some time with her grandmother, Naomi Barbour, who she loved dearly. Ellis Barbour, her uncle, was a father figure to her and continued to be throughout his life.  After a somewhat idyllic childhood growing up in Erwin in the 1950’s, she married Jack Stewart (also of Erwin, NC) and for 57 years they created a fabulous life together living all over the world and country, but predominately rearing their children in northern Virginia.  Sylvia and Jack were blessed with a son and two daughters - Rus Stewart of Surf City, NC, Kim Stewart Camp of Raleigh, NC, and Allison Stewart-Smull of Chapel Hill, NC. Sylvia is survived by these three children and also her many grandchildren - Lauren, Chelsea, Brittany, Claire, Hayley, Rebecca, Jake and Ryder and four great great grandchildren - Makayla, Evelyn, Reilly and Harper.  There is a fifth on the way.

Sylvia garnered attention in high school earning several superlatives during her senior year - most popular, wittiest and most athletic. She continued to have a zest for life in her adult years evidenced by the beautiful homes she decorated, the tennis courts she played on and captained (became a 4.0 rated player) and the bridge tables she frequented (became a Life Master).  Perhaps, however, her greatest accomplishment was the loving, joyous environment she created for her family at the holidays.  Nobody did Christmas like her.  The table settings, the food, the golf, the family games - we loved to go to her house in Wilmington, NC.

The family nicknamed her ‘Perfect Syl’ because her game was on point and her standards for the rest of us were quite high as well.  Saying she will be missed is an understatement but we intend to honor her legacy of joy, laughter and family.

Services will be held at Andrews Funeral Home on Market Street in Wilmington, NC  at 11 a.m. on October 14th, 2023.