Fay Alice Stewart

Fay Morris Stewart Fay Alice Morris Stewart passed away peacefully on November 18, 2014, at the age of 102. Fay was born at home, in the McAdams Community, western Walker County, Texas, on October 7, 1912, to John Thomas Morris and Annie Grace Barron Morris. She was the granddaughter of the late William James Morris and Margaret Antonio Moore Morris and the late Reece Owens Barron and Mary Charlotte Jones Barron. In 1920, the Morris family moved to the Goree Prison Farm, south of Huntsville, where Fay's father, John, was employed by the Texas Department of Corrections as a supervisor in the garment factory. Fay spent the next 10 years growing up at the Goree Prison Farm and attending Huntsville public schools. In 1930, the family moved to town just in time for Fay's senior year at Huntsville High School. She was a proud Huntsville Hornet, and the last surviving member of the HHS Class of 1931. Upon graduation, Fay enrolled at Sam Houston State Teachers College, graduating in 1934, with a B.A. in English. Her first teaching job was in the Kittrell public schools. Fay's future husband, Charles Vannoy Stewart, of Mt. Pleasant, also attended Sam Houston and was a boarder in the Morris family home. It was in this setting that they met and began dating. On July 18, 1936, Fay and Vannoy married and began teaching careers in Texas public schools in Pittsburg, Clarksville, Commerce and Austin. In 1955, they returned to Huntsville where Vannoy began teaching in the Agriculture Department at Sam Houston and Fay worked as secretary to HISD superintendent, Dr. Joseph Griggs. For many years Fay and Vannoy were active members of the First United Methodist Church in Huntsville. Fay enjoyed a full life of entertaining family and friends, playing bridge, listening to music and mastering crossword puzzles. One of her favorite places to be was in her kitchen either cooking or for happy hour. She was always keen on watching "Seinfeld" and "Friends". Fay stayed sharp on current events and, being an English major, had a fine appreciation and passion for the English language. She remained in her Huntsville home until a stroke precipitated change. In June 2014, Fay moved into Virginia's Lakeview Home, near Willis, in the only remaining room available, next to her younger sister, Willie Jo Boaz. The family appreciates the love, care and support given to Fay, knowing that in the final months of her life, she was safe and secure in a compassionate and nurturing environment. Reuniting with her sister again was an added and sweet bonus. Fay is predeceased by her parents, her husband of 50 years, her brother-in-law, Joe Albert Boaz, and a nephew, Jon Albert Boaz. Fay is survived by her sister, Willie Jo Morris Boaz, nephew, Joseph Charles Boaz and wife, Eileen, of Huntsville; niece, Jan Boaz Ables and husband, Clint, of Montgomery, TX; great-nephew, Joseph Carlton Boaz and wife, Deborah, of Huntsville; great-niece, Emily Grace Boaz, of Dallas; great-great niece, Anabelle Fay Boaz and great-great nephew, Joseph Albert Boaz, both of Huntsville, and a few remaining Morris and Barron first cousins, notably, Eloise Robinson Powell, of Huntsville and William Barron and wife, Joyce, of Sugar Land. In addition, long-time friend and neighbor, Beverly Hanson and daughters, Jennifer and Jessica. At Fay's request, no formal service will be held. The family will gather for a private graveside service at McAdams Cemetery. For those desiring, the family requests with gratitude that memorials be directed to the First United Methodist Church, 1016 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville, TX 77320 or the Huntsville High School Ex-Students Association, P. O. Box 1717, Huntsville, TX 77342-1717. Memorial condolences may be made to the family online at www.shmfh.com.

Fay Alice Stewart

October 7, 1912 - November 18, 2014