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her devotion, her caring spirit, and her love will remain forever.

Mother Dorothy Dean Stewart was born on September 5, 1934, in Ozan, Arkansas, to the loving union of Frank Baker and Cora Bell Thurman. From the very beginning, Dorothy’s life was surrounded by family, love, and the values that would guide her throughout her earthly journey. She received her education in Arkansas and graduated from high school before beginning a new chapter that would ultimately lead her to Kansas City, Missouri.

As a young woman, Dorothy migrated to Kansas City, where she would make her home and become a treasured part of the community for more than 65 years. It was in Arkansas that she met the love of her life, Elvern Stewart. Their union was blessed with a beautiful family and the joy of raising their children together. To this union were born Donald, Ronnie and Kimberley.

Dorothy was a devoted wife and mother who understood the true meaning of sacrifice, love, and commitment. For most of her life, she was a homemaker, dedicating herself to serving and caring for her family. Her home was a place where family was welcomed, love was abundant, and memories were made. She also had experience working in childcare as a coordinator, allowing her nurturing spirit to extend to children beyond her own family.

Faith was an important part of Mother Stewart's life. She was a faithful and devoted member of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. She joined the church under the leadership of Pastor Wallace S. Hartsfield, Sr., and continued her faithful service under the leadership of Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield, II. Throughout the years, she served faithfully in the Mother Board, Breaktime Ministry, and Bowling League, participating as long as her health permitted.

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Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy will live on through the generations she leaves behind.

Her commitment to Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church was more than simply attending services. She was a part of the church family and found joy in fellowship, service, and the relationships she developed throughout the years. Her presence, dedication, and love will remain a cherished part of the church's history and the hearts of those who served alongside her.

Mother Dorothy also knew how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. She loved bowling and treasured the fellowship that came with it. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, decorating her home, completing word search puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. She loved being around people, sharing conversation, laughter, and the everyday moments that become precious memories. Her warm spirit and love for fellowship made her a special friend to many.

For more than 65 years, Kansas City was home. There she built a life, raised her family, established friendships, served her church, and became a part of the community she loved. Her life was not defined by one particular accomplishment, but by the many lives she touched through years of love, devotion, friendship, faith, and service.

Mother Dorothy experienced both the joys of family and the deep sorrow of losing loved ones she held dear. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elvern Stewart; her brother, James Marshall; and her son, Ronnie Stewart. Though these losses left an emptiness in her heart, the love and memories they shared remained a treasured part of her life.

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Mother Dorothy Dean Stewart will be lovingly remembered, deeply missed, and forever cherished.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Donald Stewart (Sharon) and Kimberley Stewart; her grandchildren, Danielle Richards (Rawle), Nyron Stewart, Natoya Madge (Salthego), Narissa Stewart, and Solomon Wright; and her great-grandchildren, Taylor, Nevin, Zion, Skye, Emery and Olivia. She also leaves a host of relatives, friends, loved ones, and her entire Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church family, all of whom will carry precious memories of her forward.

Mother Dorothy Dean Stewart leaves behind more than memories—she leaves a legacy. Her legacy can be seen in the family she nurtured, the friendships she treasured, the church she faithfully served, and the many people whose lives were touched by her presence.

She taught those around her that life is found in the love we give, the relationships we build, the service we offer, and the memories we create. Her hands were busy caring for her family, tending her garden, creating beauty in her home, enjoying her hobbies, and serving others. Her heart was full of love for her family, friends, and church.

Now her earthly work is finished, and she has answered the call to her eternal home. Although her physical presence will be deeply missed, the love she gave will continue to live through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, and church family.

The memories of her laughter, her fellowship, her devotion, her caring spirit, and her love will remain forever.

Mother Dorothy Dean Stewart will be lovingly remembered, deeply missed, and forever cherished. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy will live on through the generations she leaves behind.