Thelma Stewart

Obituary

As a breeze softly blows upon the sunrise of a glorious day; the life, spirit of Thelma Elizabeth Stewart was created.

Thelma Elizabeth Stewart was born on March 4, 1930, in Columbia, South Carolina to the proud parents of Frances Walton and Cecil Nelson and was an only child. At the age of two years old, Thelma and her family relocated to Yonkers, New York.

Thelma attended the Yonkers Public School System where she excelled academically and graduated from Commerce High School. Upon graduating from high school, she met and became engaged to the love of her life, Thomas L. Stewart, affectionately known as Sonny, who predeceased her in November 1984. Two children were born from this union, Karen Stewart and a son, Thomas L. Stewart II, who predeceased her in September 2018. A grandson-in-law, Timothy Johnson, also predeceased her in April 2020.

In 1964, Thelma and her husband relocated their family from Yonkers, New York to Cortlandt Manor, where she resided until her passing.

Thelma continued her education at Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York, and received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Social Work. She was a Social Worker for Westchester County and retired from the profession in 1998.

She fulfilled her love for people by volunteering in her community and church. Thelma transferred her membership from Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Yonkers, New York, where she was a member since childhood, to Mount Lebanon Baptist Church. Thelma was a longtime, dedicated member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church. She enjoyed attending church and fellowshipping with friends. Thelma, lovingly referred to as "Mother Stewart", served on the Missions Ministry, Scholarship Ministry, the Golden Saints and the Food Pantry. Socially, Thelma was active with the Red Hats organization. Thelma's love for helping others extended to her being a foster parent to Nina Williams and Lyles Williams, who predeceased her, and also opened her home to Kerri Lee.

Thelma treasured the time with her family and friends. She loved to travel and had a special interest in the Performing Arts and Horticulture, spending many spring and summer days attending to her garden. Of course, she loved fashion and style.

Thelma leaves to mourn a daughter, Karen Stewart of Cortlandt Manor, New York, two grandchildren, Tiffany L. Stewart-Johnson of Charlotte, North Carolina, Thomas L. Stewart III (Danielle) of La Grange, New York, a great grandson, Tru Johnson of Charlotte, North Carolina and daughter-in-law, Grace Stewart of Wesley Chapel, North Carolina, Doris (Russell) Boston, White Plains, New York, Antoinette Worrell, Vivian Carter, Joyce Coleman, Regina (Leroy) Adams, Wanda Taylor, Cheryl Brannan, all of Yonkers, New York, Robin Gilliam, White Plains, New York and a host of other family and friends.