Edna M. Stewart

Edna Mae (Smith) Stewart was born into the world on July 9, 1938, the seventh child born to Persia and Zimma Smith. She attended Columbus Public Schools and graduated from East High School in 1956.

Edna showed her adventurous side and joined the Women's Army Core (WAC) in 1956. Completing her Army Basic Training in Fort Gordon, Georgia. She went on to serve at Fort Ritchie, Maryland. During her enlistment with the Army, Private 1st Class (PFC) Edna earned several commendations for her exceptional service in the JCA WAC Dept. Her service in the Army along with her marriage to Charles Stewart, Jr. in 1957, would give Edna the opportunity to live in Georgia, Maryland, Indiana, Japan, Hawaii and New York, before eventually making her permanent home in Columbus, Ohio.

Edna entered employment with the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 1970 as a Mail Handler. After 39 years she retired in 2009. She had an exceptional work ethic which she passed to younger generations. She would say, "prepare for your job the night before, lay your clothes out, pack your lunch . . . make sure you are on time, every time." "Give your best, even if you don't like the job".

She gave her best to all the activities she was involved in. She was an artist and creativity poured from her soul. Whether drawing, sewing or creating beauty from basic things, she was a do-it-yourself (DIY) woman, way before the term became popular. She was also an avid reader and passed her love of books on to her four children, Robin Kaye, Mark Christian, Kisha Noel, and Brett Christopher.

Even into her late forties and fifties, Edna continued to show her fun and adventurous side by obtaining a Broadcaster certificate, so that she might broadcast on Christian Radio. Which she did twice. She also became a member of the Screen Actors Guild because of a Cottenelle commercial she was featured in.

Raising four children as a single parent, Edna still made time to share her faith in Jesus Christ whom she accepted as her Lord in 1973. She had a heart for people and was active in nursing homes and prison ministries for many years. In her twilight years, she took her ministry of prayer very seriously and those who knew her, knew her to be a 'prayer warrior'. Believing to the end of her days that 'prayer changes things'.

Edna is preceded in death by parents, Persia Sr. and Zimma (Dave) Smith; Brothers William (Bill), Robert, and Persia Smith Jr. Sisters Kay Johnson and Madge Walburg-Jones.

Edna stepped into eternity on December 10, 2019. She leaves to cherish her memory: Children, Robin K. White, Mark C. Stewart, Kisha N. Stewart, Brett C. (Alicia) Stewart. Grandchildren, Jason (Karin) Stewart, Christian Tolliver, Madison Stewart and Eden Stewart. Great Grand-Children: Christasia Tolliver, Gaelan Stewart, Deshon Tolliver and Jakobe Tolliver. Great-Great Grandchildren: Andre Jackson. Brothers, John (Linda) Smith, Joe (Christine) Smith, Sisters, Jayne (Claude) Cole and Gloria (Graham) Gibson. Plus, a host of nephews and nieces, friends and church family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Love a Child at loveachild.com.