Obituary of Elizabeth Stewart

“I’m free, Praise the Lord I’m Free! No longer bound, no more chains holding me. My Soul is resting and it’s just a Blessing, Praise the Lord, Hallelujah I’m FREE!” Elizabeth Stewart gained her Heavenly wings and took flight on the eve of November 9, 2022. She was born on October 24, 1926 in Ochlocknee, Georgia. At the age of eleven, her family relocated to Toms River, New Jersey. She is predeceased by her parents Dewey Snelling and Alice Daphney Snelling. She was blessed with four younger siblings: James (predeceased), Dewey (predeceased), Anna and Charlina. Elizabeth was educated in the Toms River Schools and was a graduate of that system. She pursued her aspiration of becoming a Beautician and procured her Managerial License in Cosmetology. She was the First Black Female Proprietor in Toms River, owning a widely successful beauty salon servicing customers as far as Delaware. Later in life, Elizabeth attended Georgian Court University and Atlantic Cape Community College. She enjoyed studying Psychology and courses that centered around the development of the mind. Elizabeth embraced the Lord and her church at a very young age. Her love for God grew passionately, and was converted at age fourteen, joining Wells Chapel AME Church; serving diligently in various capacities to expand over the years from Superintendent of Sunday Schools to Missionary & Stewardess Board Member to First Lady & Advisor of Wells Chapel AMEC and six other churches in the New Jersey and Philadelphia Conferences. Elizabeth also served in various capacities on the Local, District and Conference Levels. Of all Elizabeth’s accolades, Sojourner for the Lord was her most acclaimed title as she spent every day being guided by her faith. Elizabeth met and married her “Beloved Husband”, the Late Reverend Nathaniel Stewart, Sr. God blessed their union with five children: Nathaniel Jr., Arthur Eugene, Ernest James (deceased), Rosemary, who rarely left her side throughout her illness and Sharon Elizabeth (deceased). Their home centered around God’s word, values, love and endless opportunities educating four of their children in colleges at the same time. God sanctioned Elizabeth and Nathaniel’s marriage for sixty-one years until Nathaniel transitioned from Earth to Glory! As the Matriarch of the family, Elizabeth immersed herself in God’s Daily Word, frequently praying and embellishing her favorite scriptures Psalm 34 and Psalm 91. She also included Praise and Worship through Biblical Messages, Reading and Songs from sun up to sun down! Anyone entering her presence was embraced with her wisdom and love of God. She loved people, cultivating flowers and absolutely adored her family. Her infectious drive for service in the church was one of her ultimate accomplishments. As her age progressed, she was unable to physically attend church but was eager to receive her Pastor, Rev. Tammy Mitchell and the Pastor’s Steward, Gloria Gaskins to deliver her communion and the sermon of the day during her home visits. She was blessed to receive phenomenal service from a special caregiver, Selma Robinson, who embodied a joyous spirit that permeated through to the end of Elizabeth’s 96 years with us. Elizabeth leaves in God’s care her most devoted children: Son: Nathaniel Stewart, Jr. (Barbara) St. Paul, MN, Son: Arthur E. Stewart of Mt, Ephriam, NJ, Daughter: Rosemary Stewart Whaley (Charles) Sicklerville, NJ, and one adopted son, David Corbin (Patricia) Toms River, NJ, a Spiritual Daughter Peggy Savage (Jim) Kentucky, two Goddaughters: Niece Sara Snelling Toms River, NJ and Karen Paden (Melvin) Manchester, NJ; nine Grandchildren: Nathaniel III, Eric, Derrick (Kena), Tanya (Dana), Shante’ (Ronald), Sarif, Sr. (deceased), Jamar (Debbie), Tia, and Eden (James, Sr.): eighteen Great-Grandchildren: Imani, Dante, Cheyenne (Neil), Ja’Marquise, Quory, Drue, Eric, Jr., Cymya, Layla, Shania, Mirai, Breje’, James, Jr., Jalen, Anya, Langston, Asha and Angelo; three Great-Great Grandchildren: Inylah, Isiah and Jahvar: two Sisters: Anna R. Samson (Major), Detroit, MI and Charlina A. Fulton, Toms River, NJ and a host of dear nieces, nephews, cousins and fond friends. Elizabeth’s talk, walk, and daily consumption of the Lord’s Word encapsulate a devoted woman favored by God. To HIM we give the Glory!