Dorothy Nell Oliver Stewart, affectionately known as “Sweetie,” was born to James and Annie Mae Oliver on March 21, 1939. She was born and raised in Forney, Texas, in a Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age. Her faith became the foundation of her life, and she received her Christian education and training at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully attended and served in numerous capacities and ministries throughout the years.

Sweetie was deeply committed to the church and to nurturing the faith of others. She served for many years as the Director of the Youth Ministry, where she organized and directed Christmas and Easter productions, including recitations, pageants, and plays. She also directed the Sunbeam Choir and taught the Beginner/Primary Sunday School class. She sang in the choir, served in the Women’s Mission and Sunday School, and faithfully served as a deaconess. Wherever there was a need, Sweetie was willing to serve.

Sweetie received her formal education at Booker T. Washington School, where she met the love of her life, Joe Louis Stewart, Sr. On June 2, 1957, the two were united in marriage, and to this union, seven children were born: Marilyn, Carl, Patti, Joe Jr., Eric, Paula, and Kimberley.

Sweetie loved her family and friends dearly and was respected and loved by all who knew her. She was an amazing wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend. She had a heart for people and a special gift for making others feel cared for.

Sweetie was also a remarkably talented seamstress. There seemed to be very little she could not create with a needle and thread. From simple alterations to women’s fashions, usher uniforms, prom dresses, and even wedding gowns, she could do it all. Her hands were gifted, but it was her heart that made everything she did so special.

And then there were the children.

Sweetie was the neighborhood babysitter—but not just any ol’ babysitter. She was the gifted one. The one who genuinely cared. The one who helped raise children, teach them, correct them, love them, and train them up in the way they should go. She poured into generations of children, not simply by watching them, but by helping shape them. Her influence extended far beyond her own household and into the lives of countless others.

On August 31, 2026, Sweetie caught a glimpse of Jesus, and she simply could not say “no.” She transitioned from time into eternity and entered the presence of the One she had loved and served throughout her life.

Among those awaiting her in that great cloud of witnesses are her parents, James and Annie Mae Oliver; her husband, Joe Louis Stewart, Sr.; her daughters, Kimberley and Marilyn; her sons, Carl and Eric; her son-in-law, Ernest; her brothers, Leroy, James, Jesse, and Lewis; and her sister, Marjorie.

Left here to cherish her memory, carry on her legacy, and continue serving in the army of God are her daughters, Patti and Paula; her son, Joe Jr.; her bonus son Scott; special nephew Jeff; her three sisters, Mary Lou, Margaret, and Shirley Ann; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Sweetie may have transitioned from time into eternity, but the love she gave, the lives she touched, the lessons she taught, and the legacy she leaves behind will live on through every generation she poured into.

Well done, Sweetie. Your work here is finished. Your faith has become sight. And now, you are resting in the presence of Jesus.