Wanda Coleman Stewart

Wanda is preceded in death by her father, Earl Springs, as well as her mother, Velma Springs. She is survived by her doting husband of over 40 wonderful years, Ronald "Ron" Stewart; children, George Michael Coleman and Gay Michelle Reid (Kenneth); stepson, Cheston "Chet" Ronald Stewart (Jennifer); sister, Myrna Gordon (Anthony); brother-in-law, Earnest C. "Chip" Stewart; grandchildren, Jordan Paul Reid (Morgan) and Kennedy Reid; step-grandchildren, Jordan Rae Stewart and Robert Cheston Stewart (Morgan); great-granddaughter, Stellan Grace Reid, and a host of extended family.

Wanda was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama where she received her early education at the St. Jude Catholic School. She had an impressive educational career and graduated from both Tuskegee Institute as well as Auburn University. During her senior year at Tuskegee Institute, she married George Coleman and had two children, George Michael and Gay Michelle. In 1968, she found herself a young widow when George was killed during the Vietnam War. After his demise, Wanda devoted herself to her family and work.

Wanda's first job was as an educator at St. Jude, where she was also the cheerleader sponsor. Her career also included working at the Children’s Center with physically handicapped students, at Bellinger Hill Special Education Department, as well as the Alabama State Department of Education.

Wanda went on to marry the love of her life Ron Stewart and they shared 40 years of happiness together. She enjoyed their date nights and many travels, which included visits to Calloway Gardens, Chattanooga, Alaska, The Grand Canyon, the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, Canada, and Cortland, NY, where Ron grew up. She and Ron attended every home Ohio University football game in Athens, Ohio, during the time their grandson, Jordan (#12), played there.

Wanda’s love for travel and adventure with Ron and/or family and friends included memorable trips to South Africa, Barcelona, London, Paris, the Greek Isles, Egypt, Hawaii, and several cruises. Throughout her life, she was devoted to the Catholic Church and even when away from Montgomery, she often sought to attend mass at a local catholic church. Wanda had plans to travel to Wisconsin to visit her great-granddaughter, attend the University of Wisconsin football games, as well as travel to Detroit in July of 2025 for her family's reunion.

She enjoyed shopping, particularly at Ross Stores and online at Temu, talking and texting with her sister, long-term girlfriends (known as “the Aunties”), children and grandchildren, and lunching with her Bellinger Hill and St. Jude friends.

In her memoirs, she wrote that her greatest gifts were (not in order of priority) her incredible life, Ron, her children, her grandchildren, her faith and greater love for God, her long-term friendships, and her appreciation for time.

A Celebration of Life Gathering for Wanda will be held at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Donations In honor of Wanda may be made to St. Jude Catholic Church in Montgomery, Alabama.