Obituary of Ivalean Stewart

Ivalean Ida Earp Stewart, age 84 of Vilas, NC, went to rest in the arms of her lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday May 17, 2023. Ivalean was born on September 23, 1938 in Watauga County to the late Lee and Ethel, Greer Earp. Ivalean had no children of her own, but when she married Don Boyd Stewart of Creston, NC in 1981 she became the stepmother to his only child Boyd Stewart (wife Sue). Ivalean worked most her life at Watauga Medical Center as a dietitian. She also worked as a cook at Project on Aging. Ivalean was a loving caregiver to her parents and to her husband up until their passing. She was a loving , kind hearted woman who was always helping others. She was selfless and always showed the love of god in all she did and said. She was known for her servant heart and it was nothing unusual to see her out and about in

that little burgundy Subaru, taking friends and neighbors to the grocery store, to their doctors appointments, dental appointments, eye appointments, or even a trip to the local nursing homes to see their loved ones. She was notorious for carrying chicken pie and coconut cake to friends and families that were shut in or sick. Ivalean's family and friends were her most prized possessions. She never went without telling them how much she loved them and always had a big hug and kiss for them. Ivalean enjoyed being outside in her flowers, and going to the park with her grandchildren which usually always ended up having some KFC involved. She enjoyed traveling to the beach and going on cruises with her family. Lots of memories were made on these fun outings and adventures. Ivalean was preceded in death by her parents Lee and Ethel Greer Earp of Vilas, NC, Two brothers, Ernest Earp and wife Audie of Vilas, NC and Rufus Earp and wife Jean of Lenior, NC, her loving husband Don Boyd Stewart of Vilas, NC and her step-son Boyd Stewart of Lansing, NC. She is survived by one sister Violet Moore of Lenior NC, her step- daughter in law Sue Stewart of Lansing, NC, her grandchildren Annette Burkhart of Lansing, NC, Tanya Hudler and husband David of Jefferson, NC, Tina Fleming and husband Jason of Creston, NC, Her great grandchildren Destiny Soles and husband Trevor of Lincolnton, NC, Grayson Fleming of Johnson City, Tennessee, London Fleming of Knoxville, Tennessee, Kenadie Hudler of Jefferson,NC, Rodrick Burkhart of Lansing, NC and Kirklyn Hudler of Jefferson, NC AND One great-great grandchild Oakley Soles of Lincolnton, NC. Several nieces and nephews also survived. A special thank you to her caregivers nephew Ernie and wife Marie Earp of the home. They were such a blessing during Ivalean's battle with dementia. Ivalean's great great nephew Chuck would keep her smiling by calling her "i-eeen" and helping her with daily chores and tasks she was unable to do by herself anymore. She was a precious jewel and we will all Miss her deeply. We were blessed to call Her ours!!

The Family will recive Friends on Monday May 22 from 6PM to 8PM and Austin and Barnes Funeral home. Services for Ivalean will be held on Tuesday, May 23 at 11 O'Clock at Austin and Barnes Chaple. Burial will follow at Danner Cemetery. Officiating the Services, will be Rev. Burl Greer.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home is Serving the Stewart Family.