Dora Mae Stewart

Stewart ~ Dora Mae Stewart known formally to most as “Mother Stewart”, was born June 12, 1946 as an Orlando, Florida native; a budding blessing to her predeceased parents, Willie Walker and Lillie Mae Walker.  Dora was a beloved individual who had a genuine love in her heart for people, a fervent zeal for God and a spirit of perseverance until the very end.  God saw it fit that her assignment on earth was fulfilled, she made her peaceful transition to her heavenly rest  February 3, 2022 from a life well lived, well loved, and as a “well done oh good and  faithful servant” as she would say.

Dora was a true woman of God, an exemplified love and sacrifice in its purest form.  She began to share that love when she met her husband Robert C. Stewart in Orlando, where they created their long-lasting marriage of 53 years.  Planning to move to Georgia, God saw fit to have Dora serve a divine purpose elsewhere, leading her to Jacksonville, Florida, to begin her legacy and divine calling where she has reached many people and impacted countless lives.  Mother Stewart had always had a willingness to help others that manifested in various roles in her life and she never minded sharing what she had with others, whether it be her shelter, home, finances, spiritual guidance or just her time.  She worked many years with Roland & Ann Richardson as a care taker of their multiple affairs, hosting and preparing some of the most delicious meals for events.  But God lead Mother Stewart to her divine calling when she left the Richardson to be a servant of God’s people.  Dora became a member of Philippian Community Church under the guidance of the late Bishop Lawrence C Callahan.  She furthered her spiritual knowledge under the tutorial ship of Dr. Robert G. Witty of Luther Rice College & Seminary.  But those who knew mother knew she was a woman of action not just words. Around 2004, she did small ministry work at Lanier Nursing Home, bringing worship and the word to those who had need of encouragement and hope.  Desiring to reach more people, God spoke to her yet again and later birthing her ministry as Pastor and Founder of Peaceful Kingdom Healing and Refuge Center Inc. with a goal of “seeking to save those who are lost “, where the legacy of love and life began to spread abroad and allowed many a starting place to procure and use their gifts and embodied the term “be ye ready”.  Mother Stewart was devoted to teaching and lived those words; and loving in spite of any circumstance.

She is preceded by both parents, Willie Walker and Lillie M. Walker; adopted daughter, Jacquelin Thornes; sisters, Barbara Parker, Laverne Robinson; brother, John A Walker. Mother Stewart leaves behind a host of beautiful people and devoted family to cherish her legacy, husband, Robert C Stewart; children, Michael Hadley, Tongi Harrison, Bernard Hadley; stepchildren, Robert Stewart Jr, and Ronald Stewart; grand children, Vangi Hadley, Sereta Matthews, Latoria Matthews ,Nia Hadley, James Harrell Jr, Nitiria Gamble, Adam Freeze, Michael Hadley Jr, Janelle Hadley; adopted grands, Brionna, Ariona and Doron Thornes, Tiffany Lewis and Fort Family (9); great –grandchildren (54); brother, Willie Walker Jr; sister-in-law, Carolyn Ziegler; a host of spiritual sons and daughters; god children, April Harris (Chris), Tierra and Tiana Davis; numerous ever loving group of nephews, nieces, and cousins; Peaceful Kingdom members; lifelong friends and spiritual family.

Mother Stewart was full of life and provided corky words, phrases, plus a unique voice that created a loving impact that is deemed unforgettable. We’re grateful to have known a woman so special. She would say “you can’t just talk the talk, you got to walk, talk and walk” and “Give people their roses while they yet live”; and that her legacy of love will forever live on in those who have encountered her presence.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Pastor Dora Mae Stewart, 12 Noon Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Philippian Community Church, 7578 New Kings Road.   Visitation Friday from 5 – 7 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Dr, 904.924.9400. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dora Mae Stewart, please visit our floral store.