Mrs. Iona Stewart, age 89, a beloved mother, devoted grandmother, teacher and friend of many – transitioned from this life on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. She was born in Graham, Alabama on February 5, 1934 to Samuel and Cleola Johnson. Both parents preceded her in death.

She married the love of her life James Walter Stewart on October 5, 1956. The two were blissfully married for 52 years. He preceded her in death. Iona and James have 1 daughter, Deborah (Pastor LaBarron) Cox. She survives in Lima, OH.

Mrs. Stewart was an Assistant Teacher at Cooper Elementary School in Anniston, Alabama. She also worked at Soho in Lima, Ohio. Mrs. Stewart joined Mt Olivet shortly after moving to Lima where she became an Evangelist in the COGIC and served as a Sunday School Teacher under the leadership of Elder Elijah Webster. After his passing, she continued her service by helping Elder Edward Tibbs. Mrs. Stewart was a faithful member of Christian Cornerstone Ministries where she helped her son in-law and daughter in their ministry.

In addition to her loving daughter, Mrs. Stewart leaves to cherish her precious memories, 2 grandchildren, Christopher Cox and Kristian (Melvin) Wright both of Lima, OH; 8 step-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, Saria Cox, Amare Cox-Williams and Harlem Wright all of Lima, OH; 10 step-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by 4 brothers; Pledis, Eshmon, Cornell and Lawyer Johnson; 4 sisters, Annie Mae Glover, Verdis McCloud, Merdis Grace and Iora Byrd; 3 step-daughters, Margaret Price, Jeanetta Thompson and Dianne Brown.