Wilma Stewart Has Passed Away

Wilma Stewart was the Club Coordinator for the Marion County Democratic Party for nearly a decade. Wilma started many of our clubs that continue to exist and operate today throughout our county. In addition, Wilma's energetic personality was contagious, inspiring many Democrats not only to start clubs and groups, but to lead them, grow them, and make them successful.

Today, I received an email from Rev. Dale Stewart, Wilma's husband, who is also a great human being and a true light for our community:

Our dear Wilma passed peacefully to her heavenly home this morning at 7:45. I thank you all for your encouragement and support through her time of travail. Her memorial service: "A Witness to the Resurrection", will be held at Dunnellon Presbyterian Church (corner of Chestnut and Ohio in the historic district) on Sunday, March 30 at 4:00. A reception will follow.

Instead of flowers, contributions in her honor may be made to the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, PO Box 834, Fairfield, FL 32634, or a charity of your choice. These gifts will be used to enhance the music program of this country church where I serve as co-pastor.

I regret that I have not been able to answer your cards, letters and e-mails individually. I�ve put them in a book, and as I pour over them I am flooded with fond memories of friends and associates whose lives have been touched by Wilma. Thank you, dear friends.

Here is Wilma's obituary - she truly was a fascinating woman:

Wilma Larkey Stewart, 76, Dunnellon, FL passed away March 20 at Legacy Hospice House, Ocala.

Beloved wife of Rev. A. Dale Stewart, mother of: Timothy “Stu”, Douglas “Doogie” and Rich (husband of De); Grandmother of John Stewart, all of Dunnellon; Grandmother of Amber (Mrs. Lanny) Prentice, Great Grandmother of Abby and Cassie, of Tuscola, TX; Sister-in-law of Donna Stewart Silverman of Traverse City, MI.

Born and raised in Dearborn, MI, Wilma served as a legal secretary to the Office of General Council at Ford Motor Company before moving to Pittsburgh, PA where she was Secretary in the Board of Education of the United Presbyterian Church. Her organizational and entrepreneurial skills were put to good use as she would have parties for household products, toys and cookware thus supplementing the family income.
Always an advocate for the least, the lost and the lonely, Wilma was instrumental in forming one of the first Family Mental Health Institutes in Michigan. As an educator she organized a church pre-school program which was implemented by churches throughout the State.

As a Social Worker, she served in a home for unwed mothers; an alcohol rehab unit; and a 700 bed hospital in Cincinnati, OH. She was holistic in her approach and was especially effective in the coordination of services between individuals and agencies that had conflicting aims. As a Counselor and Therapist she showed a special concern for families, especially those with members in prison, or with drug and alcohol related problems. Always growing intellectually, she chose to do her master’s work at Atlanta University to better her understanding and appreciation of the African American perspective.

A trained musician, Wilma has frequently served as Church Organist or pianist; often sang solos and enjoyed participating in choir.
Upon retirement she wanted to learn more about government, so she participated in the Close-Up Foundations intensive training program in Washington. She returned to Dunnellon and helped form the Democratic Club, serving as its secretary. Within a few months she became State Committee Woman from Marion County and received their lifetime achievement award for her work in the formation and support of clubs county-wide.

Among her favorite activities (in addition to music) were cooking, flower arrangement, traveling, especially cruises, and dancing. She held a “black belt” in shopping.

She will be especially remembered for her warm and affectionate smile and her caring for others.
Her husband, Rev. Dale Stewart, attributes his success to Wilma, whose support and encouragement ranged from care of the household and family, financial support through seminary and the early lean years of ministry; and helpful suggestions for the improvement of preaching and pastoral care. This team has been together through 6 years of courting and 54 years of marriage.

Her peaceful passing from this life to her heavenly home will be celebrated at Dunnellon Presbyterian Church on Sun., Mar. 30, at 4 p.m. A reception will follow. Memorial gifts may be made to the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, PO Box 834, Fairfield, FL 32634, or a charity of your choice.

Please keep Rev. Dale and the Stewart family in your thoughts and prayers.