Iva Stewart

Deaconess Iva Jean Stewart

There is a time and place for everything . . .

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every 

purpose under the heaven” - (Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV)

A TIME TO BE BORN

On Monday, January 15, 1945, God blessed Betty and Ivory Franklin with an adorable baby girl whom they named Iva Jean Franklin. Iva Jean was raised by a Christian mother who believed in putting God first in everything. She was taught to have Christian morals, values, and beliefs. As a result of being taught these core values, Iva Jean gave her life to Christ at a young age. She exemplified those beliefs when she became a member of Christ Memorial Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the late Rev. L.H. Johnson. Iva Jean served in numerous ministries at Christ Memorial and was a lifelong loyal member of the church.

A TIME TO LOVE

Miss Iva Jean Franklin was united in holy matrimony to Mr. Harley Michael Stewart I on September 21, 1963. She was a loving and devoted wife for sixty-one years. Together, Iva Jean and Harley welcomed three beautiful children into the world, raising them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. No words can express the love Iva had for her children, husband, and family.

Iva Jean loved her family and believed in teaching her children and grandchildren about the love of God. She nurtured them and guided them the same way in which she was taught and nurtured. She guided them with love, taught them right from wrong, to strive for the best, to have Christian morals, to treat others right, to love family, and to always put God first in everything. Iva Jean consistently lived the values that she taught.

Iva Jean loved to entertain. She always enjoyed hosting Thanksgiving, which was her favorite holiday. She loved to cook and was especially known for her delicious pound cakes.

A TIME TO PLANT

Iva Jean graduated from Central High School. Throughout her lifetime, Iva always worked with children. When her children were in elementary school, Iva volunteered to help tutor other children. Iva later decided to go into the work force. Her initial employment was with Gold Circle Central Offices and she worked there for several years. After Gold Circle closed, Iva passed the test to be a school bus driver. She was scheduled to be a bus driver when she was offered the position as a “Peak Teacher” at Devonshire Elementary School. Iva returned to her love of teaching and working with children. Iva enhanced her God given talents by earning an associate degree in education from Columbus State Community College. Iva continued her career at Devonshire School and worked there until retiring with twenty years of service.

Retirement was not long for Iva Jean. She was a strong and determined person who continued to work. Iva worked part-time for Lord and Taylor, Kauffman’s Department Store, and Von Maur Department Store, where she excelled and often received many awards for her hard work and great service.

In addition to being diligent in the workplace, Iva was a dedicated worker in the church. She was involved in many ministries and auxiliaries which included the Willing Workers, the Deaconess Board, the Treble Clefs, and the Celestial and Combined Choirs. Iva was also over the Christ Memorial Summer Camp. Her focus with the Summer Camp was the same as her focus when working with school students. She concentrated on what was good for the children. She made sure they learned, were well fed, and taken care of throughout the week.

A TIME TO PASS AWAY

After battling Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia here on earth, on Friday, October 25, 2024, Iva took her last breath, transitioning from her earthly to her long-awaited home on high with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was blessed with seventy-nine years of life.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” - (II Timothy 4:7-8, KJV).

A TIME TO MOURN

Our beloved Iva Jean Stewart was preceded in death by her parents, Ivory Lee Franklin and Betty Doris Hull; brother, Tony Franklin; sisters, Reta (John Sr.) Collins and Cynthia Simpson; and brother-in-law, Wilson Walker.

Iva leaves to treasure her memories her husband, Harley Stewart I; three children, Michele (Rev. Shawn) Anderson, Harley (Monica) Stewart II, and Ivan (Yolanda) Stewart I; grandchildren, Tiffany Overton, David Stewart, Paul Baldwin Jr., Ashley Stewart, Haley Stewart, Mirissa Stewart, Brittany (Anthony) Dohman, Courtney Stewart, Ivan Stewart II, Sydney Stewart, and Isaiah Stewart; great grandchildren, Christian Rogers, Michael Sellers Jr., Luke Miller, Zayden Morris, and Sanai Dohman.

She is also cherished in memories by her uncle, Peter James Johnson; beloved sisters, Marcia (Eddie) Robinson, Berdina Payne, Opal Franklin, Kay Franklin-Williams, and Jackie Franklin; brothers, William Hurt Jr., Lee Franklin, Roy Franklin, and Michael Franklin; sister-in-law, Janice Walker; brothers-in-law, Barry (Janice) Stewart and Darrell Stewart; a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and dear friends.