Virginia Carol Stewart, known far and wide as Carol, passed away on February 11, 2026 following a resurgence of cancer. Carol was born September 18, 1946 in Amarillo to Leonard and Virginia Strickland. She was named after her mother Virginia, whom she loved dearly and cared for until her death. She adored her brother Tom and his wife Linda, and was delighted with his children Tonya, Ashley, Kim, and Cameron (who preceded her in death).
Carol lived most of her life in Texas. She attended West Texas State University and spent her working life as a bookkeeper and office manager. She was married to Michael “Mike” Stewart for over 51 years – at least we think so, since neither of them ever could remember exactly what year they got married. Carol and Mike lived in Houston and Austin before they retired to Port Lavaca over 25 years ago. Though there were things she missed about the bigger city, Carol took to small-town life with gusto. A lifelong artist, she particularly enjoyed joining the Art Guild and taking painting classes; her house is filled with the beautiful results of her artistry. She was also an avid gardener: on the hottest days of a Texas summer you could still find Carol outside mowing or weeding or watering the plants. Her daughter Cynthia Stewart, who has such a brown thumb that she’s been known to kill a cactus, was always in awe of Carol’s ability to make green things thrive.
Carol and Mike became very active members of Alamo Heights Baptist Church and then of Cowboy Fellowship Church. Carol loved the Lord and took great comfort in her faith. Death held no sting for her since she knew she would be meeting her savior face-to-face and gathering with lost loved ones. When asked what she loved most in the world, Carol listed her husband Mike, daughter Cynthia, grandson Samuel Atchley, brother and his wife Tom and Linda Strickland; she also listed her church family because they have given so much to her life.
If you got in the car with Carol you would hear country or gospel music. Carol especially loved Willie Nelson’s music; she and some friends ran into him one time in a diner, and the look on all their faces in the picture they took is priceless. A happy and sunny person, Carol loved bright colors; she said she didn’t want anyone wearing black at her funeral and she hoped ladies would wear hats, because it should be a celebration! She wanted her love of life reflected in the service and remembered by all who knew her.
Services for Carol will be held at Cowboy Fellowship Church on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 9am. In lieu of flowers, she asked that people donate to the Port Lavaca Art Guild or Cowboy Fellowship Church.
