Bessie Leanda Stewart was called home to join her Savior and Lord in Heaven.  Born and raised by loving parents in Pennsylvania, she is one of sixteen children.  Her family has grown to include in-loves, nephews, nieces, and extended family.  Bessie and Richard (who is already in Heaven) raised four children, Richard Stewart, Jr., Permilda Leehugh, Aaron Stewart and Avery Stewart.  This family has also grown to include three daughter-in-loves, one son-in-love (also in Heaven), seven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and more extended family.  Bessie was a Christian by faith.  She was always praising her God, attending church, hugging and praying for everyone, and sending out cards.  She was always eager to share her faith.  Bessie sang in church choirs, helped with vacation Bible School, teen camp and painting with seniors.  She drove school bus in Maryland for sixteen years, then drove for Head Start in West Virginia for nine years.  After retiring she became a foster grandparent, helping out with special needs children.  Bessie had a heart of gold, was a disciplinarian, and a strong outspoken woman.  She enjoyed baking and sharing with others.  Bessie had an open-door policy and welcomed everyone.  She gained the respect from all who were around her.  People would always call asking for prayer, advice and to be encouraged.  If you asked for prayer, she would stop everything and pray for you right there.  Bessie will be missed, but rejoice because she is in Heaven celebrating with Jesus.  Always remember the stories and memories you made with her.

Friends received 4 p.m. until time of funeral at 7 p.m., Sunday, April 6, 2025 at the Middlebourne Baptist Church, 208 Fair St., Middlebourne, WV.

Friends received 4 p.m. until time of funeral at 7 p.m., Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home, 200 S. McKean St., Kittanning, PA 16201.

Friends received 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the Duda-Ruck Funeral Home, 7922 Wise Ave., Baltimore, MD 21222. Mrs. Stewart will lie in state at the Rosedale Baptist Church, 9202 Philadelphia Rd, Baltimore, MD 21237, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 10:30 to 11 AM. A funeral service will begin at 11 AM.  Followed by burial in Holly Hill Memorial Gardens, 10201 Bird River Rd., Baltimore, MD 21220.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tyler County Senior Center, 504 Cherry St., Middlebourne, WV 26149 or Middlebourne Baptist Church, 208 Fair St., Middlebourne, WV 26149.