Miriam Dolores Stewart

Miriam Delores Stewart, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the age of 79.

Miriam was born on October 21, 1945, in Jersey City, NJ, to Elmira Robertson . She was lovingly adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Hedgeman while maintaining a strong bond with her birth mother and siblings. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Jersey City and was a devoted member of Incarnation Church, where she formed a lifelong friendship of 63 years with Dorothy Thompson.

After Dorothy married her husband George, Miriam came to live with them on Harrison Avenue and while working at an Army base, there she met the love of her life, Larry Stewart. They were married in March 1968 and soon after moved to Larry’s hometown of Silver Spring, MD. Together, they built a beautiful life, welcoming their first daughter Sonya in 1969, their son Larry Jr in 1971, and another daughter Gina in 1973 who passed in 1978.

In August 1969, Miriam began her career with Montgomery County Public Schools, starting part-time and eventually taking on a full-time role as the Administrative Secretary at Rosemary Hills Primary School. In 1982, she transitioned to Highland Elementary School, where she dedicated herself to her work and made a lasting impact on students and colleagues until her passing.

Miriam’s love for people and her generous spirit were evident in every aspect of her life. She opened her home to many, including her sisters Lynn and Elmira, and her house became a safe haven for her children and their friends. Known as the ultimate “Kool-Aid house,” her home was filled with laughter, love, and warmth.

Miriam had a zest for life. She loved skating, the beach, shopping, attending concerts, and her beloved Washington Commanders. She also loved her McDonald’s Sweet Tea with extra ice and scratching her lottery tickets hoping for a win. She loved decorating for the holidays, transforming her home and school bulletin boards into vibrant displays of joy. Family and friends were her greatest treasures, and she cherished weekend outings to restaurants, family gatherings, and quality time with her loved ones.

Miriam leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication that will forever be cherished by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Preceded in death by her daughter Gina Raquel Stewart, parents Mr & Mrs Hedgeman, her mother Elmira Carter, stepfather John Carter, father in law Elmore Stewart, mother in law Lauris Stewart, brother John Carter, sister Debra Carter, nieces Tyheeda Marshall and Brittney Robinson.

Miriam’s legacy lives on through her husband of 56 years Larry Stewart Sr, daughter Sonya Stewart, son Larry Stewart Jr, sister Elmira Carter, Grandchildren Daniea Stewart, Justin Stewart and Jaden Stewart. Niece Emerald Carter and nephew Dimitri Carter-Graham. Great Grandson Xander Bruce.

Brothers: Peter Carter, Timothy Carter (Lori), Paul Carter (Shernita) and David Carter

Sisters: Lynn Robinson (Anthony), Maryann Carter-Ortiz (Manuel Ortiz, Deceased) Katy Carter, Lorraine Robertson

Cousin Diane Hedgeman Chambliss (Rev. Dr. William Chambliss)

Brother in law Victor Stewart (Audrey Stewart)

Albert Stewart & Family (Pearl Stewart Deceased)

Sister in law Elmoria Stewart and Elnita Hayes (Wardell deceased)

Mae Stewart and family (Elmore Stewart Deceased)

Nieces and Nephews: Patricia, Daniel, Kevin, Harry, Eric, Angela, Matthew, De’Anndra, Alexandra, Nyla, Timmy, Peter, Kirsten, Adrian, Danielle, Regina, Adrianne, Cyril, John, Mildred, George, Mark, Domonique, Chris, Diwan, Geneva, Stephanie, Vanessa, Paul Jr, Adrian, Ryan, Victoria, Tiffany, Lynn and Kenny

Many Great nieces, nephews and cousins

God Children: Gregory Jackson, George Wright, Patricia Ortiz and Eric Robinson

A visitation for Miriam will be held Friday, January 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904.

A funeral will occur Friday, January 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904.

A burial will occur Friday, January 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, Maryland 20722.

A repast (immediately following the burial) will occur, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904.