Patricia “Patsy” Winona Stewart, 78, of Providence Forge, VA, received her eternal healing as she entered the heavenly gates on Friday, January 26, 2024. Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Bessie Whitehead, son Wade Stewart, and siblings Leland, Maury, Andrew, and Leon Whitehead.
Patsy is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, Louis Stewart; sons Corey (Bobbie), Jon (Tanya), Ross (Jessica); grandchildren Jessica, Caylin, Christian, Keenan, Lawson, and Harper; one sister Anne Holmes (Michael), brothers, Robert (Rita) and Terry Whitehead (Eunice); sister-in-law Irese Whitehead; brothers-in-law Clifford (Bertha) and Julian Stewart (Becky); sister-in-law Dottie Cannada; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
As a loving and faithful servant, Patsy was a light for Jesus Christ every day. She accepted Christ at an early age, and quickly began serving the Lord in various church ministries. She poured into the hearts of children as a Sunday School teacher, a leader of the Sunshine group, a Vacation Bible School teacher, and provided the Children’s Church sermon during the worship service on Sunday mornings. Patsy honored the Lord as a Deacon of Samaria Baptist Church, encouraging the members of the congregation with their spiritual walks with Christ, and caring for others through the hospital visitation ministry. She also represented the church as a member of the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU). Most notably, she was well-known for her recitation of the Christmas story from the gospel of Luke each year during the holiday season.
Patsy was a proud citizen of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe. She volunteered in many capacities such as Elders Day at the Tribal Center and attended the Pow-Wow each year. She was even crowned Miss Chickahominy during her early years.
Patsy served on the board of Social Services for Charles City County for several years and was a member of Woodmen of the World. She loved reading, working her crossword puzzles in the newspaper, taking pictures, especially of her son’s wildlife harvests, baking delicious rolls and pies, and tending to her gorgeous flowers in her yard. She loved to enter her baked goods and flowers into the Charles City County Fair each year, winning numerous blue ribbons.
Patsy faithfully served her family by caring for the home, supporting her husband, and raising four boys who all came to know and love the Lord. She was both compassionate and patient as a caregiver for her mom and dad during their illnesses in their later years.
Patsy will be remembered as a true example of living by faith, sharing the Good News with those she encountered, and as a beautiful, classy woman who always had a vibrant smile on her face and kind word to share.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Samaria Baptist Church, 8130 Lott Cary Road, Providence Forge, VA 23140. A viewing will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Vincent Funeral Home, 9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, VA 23140.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaria Baptist Church, the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, and/or the Alzheimer’s Association.
