Rose Marie Stewart

Rose Marie Stewart, 87, transitioned from this life September 29, 2024 while at Sedona Trace Health & Wellness in Austin, Texas. She was born on February 24,1937 in North Little Rock, Arkansas to Rev. Madison and Beatrice (Green) James. Rose married her college sweetheart Joe Stewart in North Little Rock on July 20th, 1956.

Rose grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas. She graduated from Scipio A. Jones High School in 1954. She went on to attend Arkansas AM&N College (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) where she met and married her husband Joe Stewart. Rose was a devoted wife, accompanying her husband on multiple tours of duty in the Air Force, spanning many states as well as Germany and Japan. At their various overseas duty stations, Rose led the educational curriculum for the church chapel and children’s vacation Bible school, bringing Christ to all on air bases. Together, Rose and Joe began to build a life of service and resilience around the globe at overseas duty stations with their Air Force family.

Rose continued her education at St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. As an elementary school teacher, Rose taught primary studies with an emphasis on science and English-As-A-Second Language curriculum. Upon retiring, she continued to tutor students from her home.

Becoming an active member of Zion Rest Missionary Baptist Church in 1984, Rose brought her educational expertise and love of community to the church’s congregation. Serving as a Sunday School teacher, a Women’s Ministry leader, Women’s Titus II Book Club member, and Deaconess for many years. In 2005, Rose Stewart also helped establish and lead the first Christian Summer Day Camp at Zion Rest, introducing hundreds of kids to Christ.

Rose was a beloved member of the Sisters Network Inc., serving in various leadership roles including as President in 2007 and 2008. Experiencing God’s merciful miracles herself, she survived breast cancer twice and counseled many breast cancer patients throughout their journeys from diagnosis to treatments including chemotherapies extending through helping families who lost loved ones to cancer. She participated joyfully in Bible Study Fellowship for 30 years. Her various gifts were used as she supported her husband’s ministerial leadership; attended James & Stewart-Danner reunions; gardened at her home; watched University of Texas basketball games; and played board and online games with her family and friends (showing no mercy in play).

Rose Stewart was preceded in death by her parents Rev. Madison and Beatrice (Green) James, her husband Joe Stewart, and daughter Keran Stewart and a beloved first cousin, Severba Villela.

Rose is survived by her daughters Jo Pamela (Pastor Joel) Redmon of San Ramon, California, and Hope (Dr. Reginald) Baptiste of Texarkana, Texas; grandchildren, Marques Stewart, Scherrie (Dr. Daniel) Ahlgren, NP, Erin Redmon, David Redmon, Hannah (Weston) Washington, Madison Baptiste, Rylee Baptiste, and Savannah Baptiste; her "brother-sister cousins" Dr. Frederick James, Jimmie Ann McIntosh, Anthalena James-Green and their families/children). She is also survived by many who considered her an honorary mother; calling her Mama Stewart.

“With God all things are possible.” - Matthew 19:26

A visitation for Rose will be held Friday, October 18, 2024 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral H, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Zion Rest Baptist Church, 3326 Paisano Trail, Austin, TX 78745. A graveside will occur Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 12:00 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.