Barbara Stewart

1952-2025

Barbara Ann (Smith) Stewart, age 73, of Wilmington NC, went to be with Jesus, October 15, 2025.  Barbara was born January 14, 1952, in Pender County, NC, to the late George Vance Smith and Kathleen Pickett Smith.   She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Timothy Stewart, of 35 years, and her son, George Anthony “Tony” Rouse.

Barbara is survived by her son, John William Rouse, lll; stepchildren, Tiffinay Jernigan (Dameon), and Phillip Stewart (Carrie); several sisters, Gail, Francis and Carolyn, and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren. She is also survived by her niece, Catherine Adelle Parker who she raised as her daughter, and a very Special Lifetime friend, Debbie Bentley (Rick).

Barbara was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend. She was the “Rock” to so many.

Barbara loved her Church and her church family beyond measure.  She loved sharing her love for the lord with everyone. The Lord always came first in her life.

She loved cooking. She was a chef in her own right. She loved singing in the choir at church with her husband. She loved bowling. She loved work. She loved her job at Dillard’s and her Dillard’s family.

She also loved her rescue, “Dusty” and he has been looking for her daily car rides.

We will miss her tremendously but know that she is in her forever home in the arms of our Lord.

Visitation will be held at 10am Monday, October 20, 2025, at Lake Forest Baptist Church, followed by her service at 11am. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Barbara’s memory to the local rescue animal shelter of one’s choice.

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