Iris Burnette Stewart

Iris Burnette Stewart passed away peacefully on October 27, 2022 holding the hand of her daughter as she let go of this world and took the hand of Jesus. Iris was surrounded by her entire family for weeks as each person recounted beloved stories of growing up as her child, grandchild and friend and reminding her of how much she is loved.

Born in Louisburg, NC on May 12,1931 to the late Saint Elmo (Elmore) Burnette and Ida Wood, she was raised in a modest home in Franklin County on the family farm raising tobacco, vegetables and livestock. In the early 1950’s Mom moved to Raleigh with her husband Richard E. Evans and began their own family. Mom remarried in 1972 to Johnnie M. Stewart and relocated due to military orders to Heilbronn, Germany for 2 1/2 years. They moved back to Raleigh upon her husband’s military retirement, resumed her job with the NCDMV and quickly progressed with her career and retired at age 60 as a Title Clerk. Her world became a different place after retirement.

She was free to modestly travel, visit family and friends, help look after her grandchildren and enjoy their church family at Faith Baptist Church in Knightdale, NC.

Our Mother will be remembered for her kind spirit, devotion to the Lord, an outgoing personality, sense of humor and dedication and love for her family. She was the best cook, Birthdays, Easter, Christmas and Thanksgiving table was full to the brim with the most delicious foods. She was famous for her Chuck Roast with cream of mushroom gravy, carrots and potatoes, and homegrown string beans and the grandkids favorite was the Chicken Casserole. Visiting Grandma Iris and Grandpa Johnnie’s house meant Easter egg hunts with a prize egg every year, giant leaf forts, play time with cousins and spending hours downstairs in the no adult zone shooting pool. Her graciousness extended to including her first husband and wife Richard and Mary Evans to every family function so all the children and grandchildren could enjoy and visit with everyone.

Iris Burnette Stewart is survived by sons, Anthony B. Evans and wife Beth, Clifton Reid Evans and wife Theresa; daughter, Marsha E. Nivison and husband Karl and step daughter Mary Blankenship and husband Alan; sisters, Molly B. Evans and Cyretha B. Barbee; grandchildren, Jason, Alexis, Kelly, Leslie, Sarah, Kyle, Brittany and Nicole and Michael; great grandchildren, Cooper, Joshua, Isabell, Emma, Olivia, Ameila, Tomas, Cameron, Cadence and Vivian and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Iris was preceded in death by husbands Richard E. Evans and Johnnie M. Stewart; brother, Raymond Burnette and grandchild Jeremy Evans.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial followed in Montlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to Transitions Lifecare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, please use the link below, under 'donations'.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Iris, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'add a memory'.