Barbara Ann Stewart

Barbara Ann Stewart, age 95, passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of July 14, 2020. She was in good health to the end. She was born July 26, 1924 in Wichita, KS to Byron Gordon and Mary Frances Hays. She married the love of her life, Joseph Ellsworth Stewart, on June 1, 1946. He preceded her in death on Jan. 23, 2003. She is also preceded in death by her brother Byron G Hayes Jr and her daughter Nancy Jo Dibble.

Barbara (affectionally known as Bubba or Barbar) loved her family, dogs, children, and Jesus (not necessarily in that order). She traveled the world with her husband who was in the cruise industry and loved to be by his side. She was adored by all. She never met a stranger...everyone was a friend. Throughout her life she crocheted blankets and gave them as gifts. These are treasured keepsakes today; and one small example of how she put others ahead of herself. She is known as one of the most endearing people. She encouraged others and always had a nice thing to say to everyone. She lifted people’s spirits and was an inspiration to all.

Aside from being a loving wife and mother, Barbara had several jobs in her life. She served as a Volunteer Nurses Assistant for the Red Cross during WW2. She was an Executive Secretary to the President of Skelley Oil for many years. She also served as an assistant to an Oral Surgeon. When she moved to Miami she worked at the North Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Flagler Federal Savings and Loan. Everywhere she went she left a positive legacy behind. Even in her final years, living at DelMar Gardens facility in Lawrenceville, GA, she was adored by the staff and other residents. When news of her passing spread throughout the facility the staff there were in tears and lined up to say goodbye. She was everyone’s favorite.

Barbara is survived by her son Michael and wife Candy Stewart, son in law Lyn Dibble and daughter Tricia and husband Greg Smith; grandchildren Christopher and wife Michelle Stewart, Timothy and wife Kelly Stewart, Stacy and husband Shane Dibble, Amanda Dibble, Christina Smith, Bryan Smith and Nicolas Smith; and great grandchildren Brittany Stewart, Christopher Stewart II, Kaitlyn Stewart, Kristin Stewart and Karynn Stewart. All of these she loved and touched deeply and all of whom adored her.

The life celebration will take place Sunday, July 19, at Woodlawn Memorial Funeral Home in Orlando, FL. Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. — 12 Noon followed by a remembrance service after. In lieu of flowers donations in her honor can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.brightfocus.org) or to http://agapehospicecare.net/.