Obituary of Gertie Stewart

Gertie Stewart, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2024. 

She was the blessed mother of five children, ten grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. 

She was born in Bladen County, NC, on August 19, 1935.  She was the youngest and last surviving child of Pross and Fronie Drye.

Gertie met and married James McLean at an early age. Sadly this marriage ended, but not before she brought five children into the world. Later, she would meet the love of her life and marry Edward “Peppy” Perry. Edward Passed in 1996.  Heartbroken, Gertie carried on. Then one fateful day, at a family reunion, she met Henry Stewart. They became friends and tied the knot in 1999. She remained happily married to Henry until his passing in 2021.

She worked for the City of Norwalk, CT as a city clerk but retired early at age 56 to pursue other interests. 

Gertie was known for her great love for family. She sacrificed for her children and was always there to help or to cheer them on at crucial crossroads of life. She loved her sister and brothers, never failing to stay connected whether by a simple phone call or by driving hundreds of miles for a visit.

Gertie was a strong, fiercely independent woman who loved to travel and see the world. She traveled to Rome, Senegal, Jerusalem, Amsterdam, Paris, and throughout the US. Her long-time travel buddies, Alberta and Myrtle, thoroughly enjoyed their globe trotting adventures. Friends fondly remember the traveling trio as Bert, Gert & Myrt.

Most importantly, Gertie was a woman of faith and called on the name of the Lord Jesus for salvation and life. 

Preceded in death by her son, Joseph; and granddaughters, Marquita, Candice.

She is survived by sons, Kenneth, Marvin, David; her daughter, Sheila; her grandchildren, Latesha, Marvin II, Matthew, Jennifer, Joshua, Jeffrey, David Jr, and Emily.