Jane Nancy Stewart, daughter of James O. Stewart and Nina Freeda Stewart, was born December 9, 1946, at Robinson,IL, and passed away March 29, 1968 at the age of 21. Jane traveled extensively with her parents while her father was an officer in the US Army and toured most of the countries of Europe. She lived for several years in Tampa, FL, and various other cities in the United States. She started school in the first grade in Houston, and later while her father and mother were overseas, she attended junior high school in Columbus, GA. When her father retired, she returned with her father and mother to Houston, where she finished her last three years of high school, graduating from Houston High School with the Class of 1964. Jane attended Central Methodist College for one year, then transferred to Southwest Missouri State College, where she would have graduated in May of this year. She was a Shewasa Charter Member of the Junior National Honor Society in Columbus, GA, and a Charter Member of the National Honor Society in Houston High School. She was a member of Kappa Delta Hii, Honorary Educational Fraternity. At the age of 13 she joined the Morningside Baptist Church of Columbus, GA, later moving her membership to the First Baptist Church of Houston. Jane possessed a sparkling personality and was "popular" with her classmates here. Her sudden death was a shock to the Houston community. Friends said the 21 year old girl was a devoted daughter and described her greatest desire in life was to make others happy. She is survived by her parents and many relatives in the Houston area. Funeral services were held Sunday, March 31, at the First Baptist Church here with the Rev. John Mathews officiating. Burial was in Pinelawn Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home of Houston.
houston herald
Marilyn Romines
I wanted to say something in loving memory of Jane, whom many of you knew as a matchless friend, a fine scholar, and a witty and kind presence in our midst for all too few years. She was dear to me then, as now. We lost Jane too soon--in 1968, when she just on the threshold of a teaching career. Generations of students would have benefitted from her dedication, passion, and skill in the field she loved.I still remember the nice young man, Ben Matlock, whom Jane met during her college years in Springfield. He was her ardent admirer then, and I think would one day have been her loving husband. He would also have been a very lucky man.
Jane was an exceptionally devoted daughter, the much-loved only child of Jim and Freeda Stewart. Jane was the delight of their lives, and I have reason to know she caused a minimum of trouble and worry to her fortunate parents. I used to wish I could be as "easy" a child for my parents as Jane seemed to hers!
Jane's mother, Freeda Stewart--my cherished friend who stepped in with such sweet support when my sister and I lost our mother--still lives in Houston. I write to Freeda frequently and often mention a thought or a memory or some funny little detail of my friendship with Jane. I think Freeda likes to hear about Jane, though the loss is still very painful.
I've read and also have been told by parents who have lost a child that it is comforting--if bittersweet--to know that their child is remembered. I feel sure that Freeda would welcome a call or a note from any of Jane's classmates. She isn't very well now, but her kind and loving spirit--so like Jane's--shines brightly as ever.
I will tell Freeda that the Class of '64 has met again for another reunion, and that Jane was fondly remembered. Nothing would please her more, I feel sure, than to know we miss her still.
Freeda might also enjoy knowing that when I chose a password to enter this website, the first thing that came to mind was the fanciful nickname Jane devised for me our sophomore year. If you know that nickname, you know my password! Jane was the quintessence of my happy high school years, so nothing could be more fitting (or more easily remembered!)
Written in loving tribute to Jane Nancy Stewart by her fortunate friend, Marilyn F. Romines. August 8, 2009.
Larry Holder
Jane was one of the kindest and compassionate friends anyone has ever known. We all still remember her even 40 years after her passing. That, alone, says alot about her as a person.