Doretha Eason-Stewart

Dr. Doretha Eason-Stewart, known as Dr. Eason to colleagues and students, was the fourth of five children born to the union of James and Thelma Eason on June 29, 1950 in Hazlehurst, Mississippi where she grew up from a bouncing baby to young adulthood. She went to be with the Lord on September 4, 2014 with family present and in the comfort of her home. During her illness, she lived up to the reputation of those that knew her closely as being "a tough little lady". She was baptized at the age of 10 at Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Hazlehurst under the leadership of the late Rev Fred Scott; and developed as an accomplished musician playing for many church choirs in the Hazlehurst area. In October, 2007, to be with her husband, she united with Creston Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev Leroy Ross. They had a bond that continued to the next pastor, the late Rev Niles Alexander. Shortly after Rev Godwin H. Haynes was called to pastor Creston MBC in February, 2014, she asked her husband to schedule a meeting with him for her and that bonding process began. She worked with the Ministers, Deacons and Trustees Wives and supported her husband in his responsibilities. After completing elementary and high school education in Hazlehurst, she went on to graduate from Mississippi Valley State University, Delta State University and Mississippi State University with the Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate degrees respectively. She spent all of her professional career in education, working as an Assistant Professor of Business at Mississippi Valley State University, Dean of Business and Commerce at Coahoma Junior College, as an Administrator at Texas Southern University, and numerous high level administrative positions at Houston Community College with the last position being Executive Dean of Academics, Workforce and Student Services at the Northeast College. While she had a very extensive educational and professional background, she viewed the accolades as insignificant in comparison to her passion for those things in life that matters most. She was passionate about her spiritual life and her relationship with God, her love for family extended far beyond her immediate siblings and relatives, but developed a relationship with those around her that created an environment where family is inclusive of those whom she trusted, valued and loved. Mentoring minority women was one of her most significant contributions to society. Reaching out to women who came from prison or opening doors for those who just needed a little support is what she defined as her purpose in life. She was preceded in death by her father, James Eason, Sr and her brother, Ronnie Eason. Those left to cherish her wonderful memories are: Husband - Samuel Stewart; Mother - Thelma Eason; Sisters - Evelyn Adams of Slidell, Louisiana, Hilda Ola (Eddie) of Vidalia, Louisiana and Ruby Jean Eason Terry of Detroit, Michigan; Brother - Melvin Eason, Sr. of Seattle, Washington; two special nieces and a nephew who she helped to raise - Bridgett Jeffries (Rodney) of Seattle, Washington, Lisa Eason and Melvin Eason, Jr (Andrea) of Houston, Texas; and a Stepson - Patrick K. Stewart of Houston, Texas. Additionally, there are two step grandchildren, an aunt, Hilda Jones of Memphis, Tennessee and numerous family and friends that will keep her memories alive for years to come.