Wilbert H. Stewart

It is with hearts full of love and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Wilbert “Willie/Bertie” Stewart on October 10, 2024. While our hearts are heavy, we are comforted by the knowledge that Willie lived a life full of love, purpose, and joy. His warmth and wisdom touched so many, and his presence will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Born on August 13, 1938, in Manchester, Jamaica, to William and Ivy Stewart, Willie’s journey began in a close-knit family, with values that shaped the compassionate and generous man he would become.

Willie is survived by his devoted wife of 19 years, Thelma “Betty” Ashman-Stewart, whose love and partnership became the foundation of his life. Together, they built a community of love, laughter, and support. His legacy continues through his daughter Ella and his son William (Gaby Becerra), both of whom carry forward his kindness, strength, and love for family. His greatest pride was his role as a grandfather to Jacob (Amber-Mae) LeClerc and Emma Stewart (JT Morgan) and he was overjoyed to become a great-grandfather to Adonis Jason Morgan. One of the highlights of his life was holding little Adonis in his arms, a symbol of the love and continuity that meant so much to him. He was thankful to Lisa Green-White (Stan White), the mother of his only granddaughter.

He is also survived by his sisters Pam Williams and Cherry Neufville, brother Clive (Gloria) Stewart, brother in law Alvin Newbhard, sister in law Beryl (Egbert) Sawyers, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and other family members that are too many to mention.

He is now reunited with his parents, his brother Keith, his sister Winsome, brother in laws Roy and Osbert and his daughter Barbara, who left us too soon.

Willie’s passions were many, but at the heart of it all was his love for people. He was a man who brought others together—whether on the soccer field, where he was instrumental in bringing the sport to Yuma, AZ, or at the bowling lanes, where he remained an active participant right up until his final days. His rose garden, a labor of love, became a place where beauty flourished, just as he cultivated beauty and connection in every life he touched.

More than anything, Willie was a mentor and a builder of community. He had a gift for seeing the best in people, encouraging them to grow, and guiding them with a gentle hand and an open heart. Willie left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His wisdom, generosity, and unwavering support turned friends into family and created bonds that will last a lifetime.

The memorial to honor and celebrate Willie’s life will take place on November 9, 2024, at Calvary Lutheran Church (711 S 7th Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364) where he was an active member, Deacon, and was dedicated to serving God. The Celebration of Life will start with a viewing at 9 a.m. and a service at 10 a.m. The burial will follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park. We invite all those whose lives were touched by Willie to join us in celebrating the man who gave so much of himself to the world.

In Willie’s memory, we encourage you to live your life with purpose and love. Make that call, take that trip, send that message, hug your loved ones tightly, and never hesitate to express the love in your heart. These were the values Willie lived by, and in doing so, he left a legacy of kindness and connection that will endure in all of us.

We are forever grateful for the time we had with this remarkable man. Our hearts are full of the love he gave us, and we will carry his spirit with us always.

Rest in peace, Dad. You have given us more than we could ever ask for, and your light will continue to shine in our lives.