Jeanne Whipple Stewart

Jeanne Whipple Stewart left this earthly world to join the love of her life and live eternally with her Heavenly Father while listening to “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” on Saturday, September 26th. Jeanne was one of 2 daughters born in Derby, CT to Nathan Harkness Whipple and Virginia Lee Porter. She lived her life as a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend all while serving her Lord and Savior. While at Centenary Junior College and studying towards an Associates in Arts degree, she met the love of her life, William Christian Stewart. Early in their relationship, both Jeanne and Bill dedicated their lives and marriage to God. They enjoyed almost 62 years of a model marriage that has inspired so many of us to always put our partners first. Jeanne’s love and dedication to Bill never faltered, even after his passing.

Jeanne’s exceptional math skills and brilliant mind allowed her to enjoy a career as a computer programmer for IBM and the Virginia National Bank. In addition to her programming career, she was given an award for Excellence in Sales from Avon as well as being a faithful employee at Dudley’s Religious Bookstore. However, her proudest accomplishments were being a doting mother to her children and a devoted military wife to her husband. From 1958 to 1968, Jeanne stood faithfully beside Bill as he served in the US Army. Her unwavering strength allowed her to solely raise her children for 2 years while Bill was overseas serving his country in Vietnam.

In 1968 when Bill entered seminary, Jeanne’s fortitude and fidelity was once again called into action as she was tasked with supporting her family financially. Eight years later, she gained another title; Minister’s Wife. The ministry eventually called them to Talbot Park Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA where she served alongside Bill. During her time at Talbot Park, she directed the children’s choir, taught Vacation Bible School and Sunday School, joined the Social Committee, sang in the choir, played in the hand bell choir, and volunteered as a youth worker.

In 2005, Jeanne and Bill moved to Matthews, NC where they quickly found a church home at Mount Harmony Baptist Church. Jeanne involved herself in the Mt. Harmony Choir, Sunday School, homebound visitation committee, preschool committee and as the head of the hospitality committee.

Jeanne enjoyed many hobbies including painting, coloring, beading, and collecting Beanie Babies and Cherished Teddies. She and Bill tag teamed on many wooden crafts over the years with Bill making the wooden figures and Jeanne painting them. However, she was best known for her cooking and baking. Jeanne’s famous chocolate chip cookies (among other recipes) will live on for generations through her children and grandchildren.

To Jeanne’s friends and family, she was quite literally full of sugar and spice and everything nice. She was always there with open arms to provide a listening ear, a comforting hug, and a warm chocolate chip cookie.

Jeanne is survived by her four children; Virginia Hull and her husband, James Hull of Matthews, NC and their children, Jessie, Jordan, Carter and Turner; Russ Stewart and his wife, Karen of Virginia Beach, VA and their children, Nicki, Kim and great-granddaughter Riley Steele; Chris Stewart and his wife, Cindy and their children, Jennifer, Christian, Mikayla, and Preston ; Karen Bennett and her husband, Hans Neckebroeck of Bloomington, IN and their children, Abbie, Gabe and Nathalie. She is also survived by her niece, Cathy Egan of Prospect, CT and her daughter, Kyle; and her nephew Kevin Thompson and his wife Elise, of Southbury, CT. She was also predeceased by her son, Christian Ralph and sister Sara Caterson.

Jeanne’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the care provided to Jeanne during her complications due to Endocarditis. The care provided for her by Dr. Michael Kendall, Matthews Novant Hospital, Home Instead, Kindred at Home nurses and Hospice were exceptional and the loving care of fellow disciples at Mt. Harmony and Talbot Park has meant so much to her family. The family also wishes to thank Ernie Lambert for his countless hours spent helping Jeanne, his faithful deliveries of fruit2o, and his endless love and support.

A memorial service officiated by Pastor Buddy Pigg is planned for 2:00pm on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Mount Harmony Baptist Church with graveside interment of ashes immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeanne’s honor can be made to:

*Mt. Harmony Baptist Church / Music Ministry

2817 Mt. Harmony Church Rd.

Matthews, NC 28105

*Your local ASPCA