Wanda June Stewart

Wanda June Stewart, 88, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ with a song on her lips and a servant’s heart, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2024, in Monroe, Louisiana, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

          Wanda was born November 14, 1935, in Carlinville, Illinois. She was the first child of Norman E. Hulcher and Velma L. Hulcher of Virden, Illinois, where she and her five siblings shared a rich childhood in a farming community, surrounded by extended family. Wanda attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, where her infectious laugh and joyful heart attracted the attention of fellow student, Floyd Stewart, whom she married on June 12, 1955. Floyd’s lifelong career with State Farm Insurance soon took the young couple first to Birmingham, Alabama, and, in 1968, to Monroe, Louisiana. They were proud to raise their three children – Beth, Scott and Tracey – as the first Southerners in their family trees. 

Wanda devoted herself to being a loving wife, Momma and Grammy. She always served her church in a myriad of ways and even delighted in envisioning a church gift shop for Grace Episcopal Church where she served as the shop’s founder, manager and buyer. She used her beautiful alto voice as a soloist and as a member of her church choir, the Monroe Symphony choir, and Kaleidoscopes. In her late 40’s, she astounded and inspired many when she fulfilled her life-long dream by earning a nursing degree at Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM) with top grades. She worked as an RN at St. Francis and North Monroe hospitals for a season.  She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution and an avid gardener. Her strength came from her faith in Jesus Christ as she lived her life to honor Him.   Her faithful journey was her greatest legacy to her family and to all who were blessed to know her.

          Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 68 years, Floyd Terrance Stewart; daughter Beth Ann Stewart Burnham and Tim of Shreveport; son Jeffrey Scott Stewart and Kim of Oviedo, Florida; daughter Tracey Jo Stewart Linson and Larry of West Monroe; grandchildren Jonathan Burnham and Abbie, Katelyn Burnham Oden and Joshua, W. Drew Burnham and Erin, Amber Stewart, Megan Stewart, Justin Stewart, Colby Linson, Hannah Linson Burgess and Blanton; great-grandchildren Jack Burnham, Ben Burnham, Will Burnham, Kate Burnham, Walker Oden, Stella Burgess, Charlie Burgess; sister Donna L. Hulcher Jensen and B.J. of Phoenix, Arizona; brother Norman E. Hulcher II and Denise of Phoenix, Arizona; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Judith K. Hulcher Martin, Carol J. Hulcher Welch and Shirley Ann Hulcher Cooper; and grandson Iain David Stewart. 

          A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, 2 p.m., at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1901 Milton Street, Monroe, Louisiana. This memorial service will be officiated by Rev. John Mabray. Visitation with the family will follow the service.

          The family expresses its sincere appreciation to Ascend Hospice. Special gratitude is extended to Lisa at Stoneybrook Memory Care of West Monroe and her marvelous staff for the compassionate and loving care they provided to “Miss Wanda” and the entire family.

          Memorial gifts may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer Association or to the donor’s favorite charity.