Cleo E. Stewardson

Cleo E. Stewardson, age 93, passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2011. Mrs. Stewardson was born in Middleburg, Virginia to Lillie P. and Frank L. Martin on November 6, 1917. formerly of Barboursville, Virginia, Mrs. Stewardson was currently residing in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fulton M. (Matt) Stewardson, son Thomas S. Stewardson, grandson Alan Stewardson, granddaughter Sharon Reynolds and great-granddaughter, Jeanna Stewardson. Mrs. Stewardson is survived by daughters Joyce E. (Hoelman) Young of Woodbridge, Va., Janice Beach of Gordonsville, Va., and Barbara L. (Allan) Wassom, of Okmulgee, OK. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Timothy Freeland, Cindy (George) Simpson, David, Kevin and Bryan Starr, Lynda Lacy, Connie Hockaday, Robyn Matthews, and Charlton Stewadson, all of Virginia, and Paul Wassom and Sarah (Jeff) Alexander of Okmulgee, Oklahoma; sixteen great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Stewardson was a member of the Piedmont Christian Church in Keswick and previously was a member of and taught Sunday school classes at Barboursville Baptist Church and Ruckersville Baptist Church. Prior to moving to Orange County in 1960, she was a long-time member of Beulah Baptist (Franconia Baptist) Church where she taught Sunday school classes and served as President of the Women’s Missionary Union. Mrs. Stewardson enjoyed quilting, embroidery and sewing items for gifts and sold by local consignment shops. She specially enjoyed visits with younger family members, getting together with friends at church, socializing with members of the Barboursville Seniors Bingo Club and napping with her constant feline companion, Candy. She was a published poet who began this hobby after the loss of her beloved husband, matt. Mrs. Stewardson’s greatest satisfaction however, came from the love and devotion she showed her late husband and her loving children. Providing a comfortable home, preparing a nourishing meal (always accompanied by biscuits), replacing dirty, crumpled clothes with sweet smelling, freshly ironed clothes – these were the things that brought her the greatest satisfaction. A memorial service will be held at the McClendon-Winters Chapel on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 11:00 am with Rev. Jennifer Grantham officiating. There will be a funeral service at the Preddy funeral Home in Gordonsville, Virginia, with interment beside Matt in the Gordonsville Cemetery. The family suggests Memorial Contributions be made in her name to the Piedmont Christian Church, 4198 Stony Point Rd., Keswick, Va 22947. Condolences may be made at mcclendon-winters.com.

Cleo E. Stewardson

November 6, 1917 - January 11, 2011