Anne Kinard Stewart

Anne Kinard StewartAnne Kinard Stewart was welcomed into her eternal heavenly home on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 after bravely fighting cancer for the better part of 2 years. Anne lived her 83 years on earth to the fullest. She was born in Inverness, Alabama on January 28, 1932, and grew up in Alexander City, Alabama. She was a graduate of the University of Alabama and moved to Louisiana as a young mother. She was an active member of bettering her community. Among her many contributions, Anne volunteered her time and talents to improve the lives of others through Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Downtown Optimist Club, The Leukemia Foundation, Families Helping Families and Port City Enterprises. She also enjoyed active participation in the "Education Hired Fired and Retired Group."  Beyond her numerous volunteer activities, she had a lengthy career of public service. Her thoughtfulness, intellect, and wit were key tools for her to contribute to and lead several offices within Louisiana State government.  Her contributions included serving in roles that ranged from Associate Superintendent for the Department of Education, Federal Program Coordinator for both the Department of Education and Department of Agriculture, Director of the Louisiana Higher Education Facilities Commission, to Bureau Director for Elections and Commissions at the Secretary of State.  She was the coordinator of the program for the return of "Texas Class" (Gary W. federal lawsuit against State of Louisiana at the Department of Health and Human Resources). After retiring from state government, she was the office manager for the law offices of George Bayhi.  Anne was also a woman of faith, having been an active member of the Jefferson United Methodist Church. Her faith sustained her during the challenges she faced in her battle against cancer.  Her faith also comforts her loved ones as they know she is resting peacefully with her King and Savior, Jesus. Anne will be remembered by family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of service to others. Anyone who needed her could count on her. All who knew her were touched by her faith, love and strength.  She is survived by 4 adult children, Ralph C. Stewart, III and his wife Elaine, Kathleen Stewart Richey, Brett B. Stewart and his wife Rita, and Stacy M. Stewart; six grandchildren, Rafe Clayton Stewart, Allen M Richey and his wife Jenny, Megan Kinard Richey, Amanda Leigh Richey, Kelvin Stewart, and Compton Stewart; two great grandchildren, Elliott Allen Richey and Avery Mae Kinard Richey. Also, Olivia Gafford and her son Brody Robert Gafford held a special place in her family. She was preceded in death by her adoring husband, Ralph Columbus Stewart Jr., and her parents, Henry and Beatrice Kinard.  Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Rabenhorst Funeral Home Downtown, 825 Government St. Visitation will resume on Monday, January 11, 2016 at Jefferson United Methodist Church from 11:00 am until funeral service at 12:00 noon. Interment to follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.  The pallbearers will be her sons Ralph Stewart, Brett Stewart, her grandsons Clayton Stewart, Allen Richey and Compton Stewart, and close friend George Bayhi.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia Foundation of Louisiana.