Thelma Stewart Obituary

Stewart, Thelma

Thelma Paulette Stewart – A Cherished Life Remembered

Thelma Paulette Stewart, age 79, of Riverdale, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 26, 2025, at Elevate Care Skilled Nursing Facility. Thelma was born on August 9, 1946, in Indianola, Mississippi, to her loving parents, William Henry Stewart, Jr. and Mary (née Muse) Stewart.

She is survived by her loving mother, Mary Lee (née Muse) Stewart Singleton, who will celebrate her 102nd birthday on December 21, 2025; her devoted daughter, Lisa Michelle Stewart; her brother, Douglas Stewart (Agnes); stepbrothers Harvey Singleton IV and Anthony Singleton; and stepsisters Carol Singleton and Pamela Singleton. Thelma is also survived by her sister-in-law, Emma Jean Scott; nephew Clifford Earl Stewart, who was like a son to her; great-nephews Nathaniel Clifford Petrie and Denzel Anthony Hayes, who were like grandsons to her; and many other cherished relatives and friends.

Thelma was preceded in death by her father, William Henry Stewart, Jr.; her brother, Alfred Henry Stewart, and his wife, Betty Jean (née Hall) Stewart; her stepfather, Harvey L. Singleton III; and her maternal grandparents, Jesse Muse and Eliza (née Franklin) Muse.

Thelma attended Wilson Junior College in 1965 and later Olive Harvey College in the 1980s for childcare studies. Thelma worked as a factory packer and quality control inspector at Sweetheart Cup Company until retiring in 1999. Thelma was a devoted daughter, a marvelous mother and a loving presence in the lives of her close family and friends.

Thelma enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards, baking treats for celebrations, bowling, watching soap operas and sports, visiting her friend Barbara Harper's beauty shop, chatting and sharing stories while getting her hair styled, singing Christmas carols with her brother and best pal, Al, attending her daughter's stand-up comedy shows, and traveling with her longtime companion, James "Curley" George, who predeceased her.

Per Thelma's wishes, no funeral or memorial service were held. A Memorial Tribute can be viewed on Lisa's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1G7sgejR7r/

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